In News:

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in collaboration with Vertis Infrastructure Trust, has launched Project Aarohan, a nationwide scholarship and mentorship program aimed at supporting the educational aspirations of the children of toll plaza employees, particularly those from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged communities.

Key Objectives

• Remove financial barriers to education.
• Ensure equal access to quality education for children of toll plaza staff.
• Bridge socio-economic divides while nurturing talent among first-generation learners, girls, and students from EWS, SC, ST, OBC, and minority groups.
• Prepare students for higher education, employment, and entrepreneurship through holistic guidance.

Features of Project Aarohan

• Coverage: 500 students from Class 11 to the final year of graduation.
• Scholarships: Each selected student will receive ?12,000 annually (FY 2025–26).
• Higher Studies Support: 50 bright students aspiring for postgraduate and higher studies will get ?50,000 each.
• Beyond Finance: Mentorship, skill-building workshops, career guidance, and structured progress tracking to foster holistic growth.
• Fund Allocation: ?1 crore for the first phase (July 2025–March 2026).
• Application Process: Through an online portal, requiring academic records, income proof, caste certificate, ID proof, etc., with a transparent selection and renewal mechanism.