National

Delhi Launches ‘Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana’: Girls to Receive ₹1 Lakh Support from Birth Till Graduation


New Delhi — In a significant move focused on empowering the girl child, the Delhi government has launched the ‘Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana’, a financial assistance programme designed to provide long-term support to girls from birth until they complete their graduation.\

Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive structured financial benefits that can collectively amount to ₹1 lakh, aimed at encouraging education, improving social security, and supporting families in investing in their daughters’ futures. Officials say the initiative reflects a broader commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.

The programme is expected to provide phased financial assistance linked to key milestones such as school enrolment, continued education, and higher studies. By offering sustained support rather than a one-time grant, the scheme seeks to reduce dropout rates and promote higher education among girls.

Government representatives highlighted that the initiative also aligns with national and state-level goals to improve literacy rates and create opportunities for young women. Apart from financial incentives, awareness campaigns and outreach programmes may be conducted to ensure that eligible families are informed about the benefits.

Policy analysts view the scheme as part of a growing trend among Indian states to introduce targeted welfare programmes focused on empowering the girl child through education, financial stability, and social protection.

As the rollout begins, many are watching closely to see how the ‘Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana’ impacts educational outcomes and long-term empowerment for girls in Delhi.

EduConnect

Powering Futures: Vedanta Honours Bicholim Scholars at ‘Utkarsh’ Event


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Reaffirming its commitment to education and youth empowerment, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa (IOG), under Project ‘Vriddhi’, organised the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship Programme for the financial year 2025–26 at Bicholim. The initiative aims to support meritorious students from mining-affected and rural communities in pursuing higher education and building sustainable futures.

The programme, held at the Bicholim Municipality Hall, saw nearly 30 students from villages across Bicholim Taluka being felicitated and extended financial support through the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship. The event was graced by Ms. Shridevi B. V., IPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bicholim, along with Mr. Vijay Natekar, Chairperson of the Bicholim Municipal Council, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – Iron Ore Goa, and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Head Operations – North and Central Cluster.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Shridevi B. V., IPS, highlighted the transformative role of education, stating that when organisations invest in education, they contribute directly to nation-building. She noted that the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship is a meaningful intervention that empowers students to rise above limitations and pursue their aspirations with confidence and discipline.

Mr. Vijay Natekar, Chairperson of the Bicholim Municipal Council, emphasised the importance of sustained educational support for community progress. He appreciated Vedanta Sesa Goa’s consistent community development efforts, noting that such initiatives create opportunities for deserving students while strengthening the region’s social fabric.

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – Iron Ore Goa, said education plays a critical role in transforming lives and communities. Through the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship, he said, the company seeks to ensure that students from areas surrounding its operations receive the necessary support to pursue higher education, reinforcing Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to meaningful and inclusive growth.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, scholarship recipient Ms. Sadiya Choudhary, a B.Com student at Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, shared that the scholarship had significantly eased her financial burden. She noted that while she had been conducting tuition classes alongside her studies to support her education, the scholarship has allowed her to focus more fully on her academic goals and support her family.

To date, the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship has benefited over 1,200 students across Vedanta Sesa Goa’s operational areas. The company’s initiatives under Project ‘Vriddhi’ continue to reflect its long-term commitment to education, youth development and inclusive socio-economic progress within the communities it serves.

Social

Southeast Bank Honors 53 Meritorious Students of Employees for Academic Excellence


Southeast Bank PLC. proudly celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of 53 meritorious students, all of whom are children of the Bank’s dedicated employees. These students earned remarkable results in 2025—securing GPA-5 in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams and achieving six A Grades in their O-Level examinations.

To honor their hard work and excellence, the Bank organized a special award ceremony filled with pride, joy, and celebration. The event served as a platform to not only appreciate the students but also to recognize the unwavering support of their families. Students were presented with crests, certificates, and thoughtful gifts as tokens of appreciation. The occasion aimed to uplift the morale of employees and reinforce a culture of academic encouragement and family value within the Bank.

The prestigious event was graced by the honorable Chairman of Southeast Bank, Mr. M. A. Kashem, who attended as the Chief Guest. He personally handed over the awards to the students and delivered an inspiring speech. In his remarks, he lauded the dedication, focus, and perseverance of the students and acknowledged the crucial role played by parents and families in nurturing such success.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence but also the nurturing environment provided by their families and institutions. Southeast Bank takes pride in celebrating and supporting such brilliance,” said Mr. Kashem.

This initiative marked a historic moment for Southeast Bank as it was the first such recognition program in the Bank’s history. It was widely applauded across all levels of the organization. The celebration fostered a deep sense of pride and happiness among employees, highlighting the Bank’s genuine investment in the well-being and success of its workforce and their families.

Since taking office, Mr. M. A. Kashem has championed a number of employee-focused initiatives, including comprehensive insurance services and now this landmark felicitation program. These programs underscore the Bank’s broader commitment to employee welfare, educational development, and corporate social responsibility.

The ceremony concluded on a high note with words of encouragement for the young achievers, motivating them to continue striving for excellence in all their future academic and professional pursuits.