Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar on Friday inaugurated Divya Kanya Chhatarvas (girls' hostel) of Sewa Bharti at Kalguni Bhalesa in Gandoh subdivision of the district Doda.

This pioneering initiative is aimed at providing shelter and educational opportunities to underprivileged, orphaned, and financially constrained students, especially the school dropouts. The hostel promises to bridge the gap in education for girls in remote and rural areas, fostering empowerment and inclusivity.

Later, the Divisional Commissioner interacted with local residents and listened to their issues and grievances. He also distributed Sports kits among the students.

The inaugural event was attended by MLA Daleep Parihar; Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh; Director J&K Bank, RK Chibber, Director School Education Jammu, Ashok Kumar; Director Rural Development Department, Dr. Mumtaz, officials and a large gathering of locals, besides Akhil Bharatiya Chhatravaas Parmukh Jai Dev (Dada Ji).

In his inaugural address, the Divisional Commissioner highlighted the critical role of such infrastructure in improving access to education for girls in backward areas. He urged stakeholders to ensure that the hostel functions as a safe, nurturing environment that motivates young girls to continue their studies and aspire for a brighter future.

The Divisional Commissioner stressed the need for community involvement to sustain the project's success. He encouraged local authorities to implement awareness campaigns, promote girls’ education, and establish skill-development workshops at the hostel. He also called for regular monitoring of facilities, counseling services, and collaboration with NGOs to support holistic development of the girl students.

The inauguration of the Divya Kanya Chhatarvas Kalguni Bhalesa represents a significant step towards gender equity in education and rural upliftment. It reflects the commitment to empowering girls in marginalized communities, ensuring no child is left behind due to financial hardships. The hostel is expected to set an example for similar initiatives across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Divya Kanya Hostel is constructed under the CSR initiative of JK Bank and IRCTC and will be operated by Sewa Bharti NGO.