Why in news?
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched Project Aarohan to support the education of children of toll‑plaza workers. The scheme recognises the hardship faced by these families and seeks to give their children better opportunities.
About Project Aarohan
- Nature of the programme: Project Aarohan is a scholarship and mentorship initiative aimed at children of toll‑plaza employees from economically weaker sections.
- Implementing agencies: The project is run by the NHAI in collaboration with Vertis Infrastructure Trust and implemented by the SMEC Trust’s Bharat Cares organisation.
- Objectives: It seeks to remove financial barriers to education, provide equal access to quality schooling and nurture talent among children of toll‑plaza workers.
- Coverage: In its first phase (July 2025–March 2026), 500 students from Class 11 to the final year of graduation will receive support.
- Financial assistance: Each selected student will receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per year. Fifty bright students aiming for postgraduate studies will get ₹50,000 each.
- Beyond scholarships: The programme includes mentorship, career guidance, skill‑building workshops and regular progress tracking.
- Funding: About ₹1 crore has been allocated for the first phase.
- Application process: Students must apply through an online portal and submit academic records, income proof, caste certificate and identification documents. Girls, first‑generation learners and students from economically weaker sections, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and minority communities will receive priority.
Conclusion: Project Aarohan combines financial aid with mentorship to support the educational aspirations of toll‑plaza workers’ children. By removing barriers to education, it aims to break cycles of poverty and create more equitable opportunities.