DW BUREAU / PATIALA To bring a positive change through education, L&T owned Nabha Power Limited, which operates the 2x700 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Plant at Rajpura, awarded Merit-cum-Need-Based Scholarships to meritorious girls of villages nearby the premises of the power plant. The programme, first launched in 2020, is open to girls of 49 villages covered under the company's CSR initiatives and is aimed at providing financial support to girls in achieving their educational and career dreams. Chief Executive of Nabha Power S.K. Narang said, "Education is a driving force for social change and can help youth realise their true potential. The skills acquired by the girl students will help them in getting employment, enhance the standard of living for the family as well as the overall strata of the society. We are ensuring that make them future-ready." Many girls from these villages have benefited since the launch of the programme. Last year, Nabha Power had provided scholarships to 10 meritorious girls who are presently undergoing a three-year course in general nursing and midwifery at a reputed private institute and are all set for a bright future ahead. This year too, Nabha Power has sponsored nine meritorious girls coming from humble backgrounds to undergo the general nursing and midwifery course at a reputed private institute of Patiala district. The programme supports the girl child with a family having an annual income below Rs 1.5 lakh. The scholarships are given to girls who acquire a maximum of 75 per cent in the 10+2 examination. It helps girls financially for pursuing a vocational course in nursing. The selection of the girls is strictly based on merit and a stringent selection process that includes written exams and interviews. The programme offers holistic development by the conduct of skill development workshops. The entire cost of the three-year course is borne by Nabha Power. (editor@dailyworld.in)