NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday distributed scholarships to 33 children of former Defence, para-military and Railway Protection Force personnel under a scheme announced by him during his Independence Day speech in 2005.

At a programme held at his 7 Race Course Road residence, Dr. Singh said that on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Jawahar Lal Nehru he was reminded of the letters written by the latter to his daughter Indira educating her about the history of the world. In this light, he hoped that the scholarships given would enable the children to pursue higher studies so that they will be able to stand on their own feet.

He said that in performing their duties, soldiers were willing to make the supreme sacrifice for the nation and its people, it also become the responsibility of the country to take care of the families of ex-servicemen, especially those who have laid down their lives.

The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare in the Ministry of Defence was created to have this focussed attention and among the various initiatives the Scholarship Scheme was an important one. Admitting that he had also been a "beneficiary of government scholarships," Dr. Singh said if he had not received scholarship as a student, he would not have been able to become what he is today. "It is this support that has helped me stand on my feet and achieve whatever I have been able to in my life," he said.

At the function, which was also attended by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, his deputy Pallam Raju, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi and Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General S. Pattabhiraman, it was announced that under the scheme 5,000 scholarships would be distributed to the wards/widows of those ex-servicemen who retired from the Armed Forces or died in action and to the wards of para-military forces controlled by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Railways.

The scholarship will be given to eligible candidates for pursuing their first professional degree programme in engineering, medicine, dental, veterinary, information technology, MBA or MCA which are duly recognised by the respective government regulatory bodies such as the All India Council for Technical Education or the Medical Council of India.

While a girl student would receive Rs.1,500 Rs.1,250 would be given to a boy student for a duration of two to five years, depending on the course being pursued.

The scheme came into force from the 2006-2007 academic year and in the first year, of the 6,575 application received, 3,915 were found to be eligible.

A B.Tech. student from Pondicherry, G. Raghul, whose father had served in the Army, said with the scholarship he now intended pursuing higher studies. "I would not go for a job at this stage. Rather I would pursue my M. Tech. as that would further brighten my job prospects."

Similarly, Sarananan, also a B. Tech. student from Pondicherry and son of a former Air Force officer, said such a scholarship would go a long way in helping the targeted children pursue higher studies and higher goals.

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