Traditionally the Army defends the borders and, whenever called in, helps in rescue work and providing aid to the victims of calamities. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has extended its mandate to rebuild the lives of people devastated by terrorism.

Operation Sadbhavana

             While tackling the terrorist menace, the Northern Command of Indian Army launched Operation Sadbhavana in 1998 to extend a helping hand in rebuilding the socio-economic life of people.  Operation Sadbhavana and activities of the State administration were amalgamated harmoniously to generate synergy, with a clear focus to bring a palpable improvement in the quality of life of the people of the state.

            Operation Sadbhavana is aimed at helping  the people to help themselves. Under it the  Army acts as a facilitator and catalyst for development projects that are identified jointly with the state administration and the people. Efforts are concentrated on projects at the village level.  

            The Army actively assists in planning, provides technical assistance, makes available specialized equipment and conducts supervision.  Maximum use is made of local labour, craftsmen and material so that the money spent on the projects is pumped into the local economy. Completion of projects in a time bound frame is the priority. In fact all projects under the Operation Sadbhavana have so far been completed in record time.  

Focus Areas  

            Women and children have been the worst sufferers of terrorist activities.   So they have been the natural focus of the Operation Sadbhavana for improving their lot and ameliorate their sufferings.  Thus, the projects of the Operation Sadbhavana have been connected with providing quality education, women empowerment, better healthcare and community development. 

Education

            Rebuilding of burnt schools and renovating many more has been at the root of the Army’s effort in helping to restore the education system in the State.  So far 60 schools have been constructed and 534 others renovated. Besides this, the Army is running 45 ‘Army Goodwill Schools’ that impart quality education to about 6800 students and provide employment to 346 teachers.  Two ‘Mega Army Goodwill Public Schools’ are under construction, one at Pahalgam in Kashmir  valley and the other at the border town of Rajouri in Jammu division. These schools will be equipped with modern infrastructure and facilities.

            In addition, 81 children from militancy affected areas of the state are studying at Army Public School at Beas in Punjab.  26 other similarly placed students are studying in Convent Schools at Allahabad.  Moreover, students from remote areas are taken on educational tours to various parts of the country to familiarize them with the development activities and the cultural diversity of the country.

Women Empowerment

            Terrorism in the State has rendered many a women,  destitute.  For their  empowerment,   42 Women Empowerment Centres/Vocational Training Centres have been established by the Army. Computer training, knitting and weaving are some of the skills which are taught at these centres.

Health Care

            Another important area to have suffered damage is healthcare infrastructure    The Army has made a determined effort at improving healthcare system.  49 Primary Health Centres have been established in remote and inaccessible areas.   And to bring medical care at the doorsteps of the people, 1558 medical camps have been organized so far in conjunction with civil administration and medicines worth over Rupees Four Crore have been distributed. These include veterinary camps for healthcare of their cattle. To further augment this effort, the Army has set up mobile medical teams which go to remote areas to provide health care. The Army has also provided scores of artificial limbs to those who have lost a limb in terrorist activities like firing, mine blasts, grenade attacks etc.

Community Development

            Information and awareness is key to development. The Army has established 324 Community Development Centres in the State,  equipped with television and direct to home dish-antennas, telephones, library and indoor games.  Moreover, adult literacy, electrification, water supply schemes and restoration of infrastructure are the other measures taken up for community development. 

Development of Infrastructure      

  The army has not only constructed a large number of bridges and roads but also set up water supply schemes and electrified a number of remote villages.

Micro Hydel Projects (MHP)

            Jammu & Kashmir has  energy shortage. The energy  needs  aggravate in winter when demand increases considerably over supply.  Many remote and inaccessible villages have yet to be electrified.  The Army has taken up the task of providing electricity to remote villages which are inaccessible to civil administration.  This is being done by harnessing the hydel resources  in these areas. As many as 1000 Micro Hydel Projects (MHP) are being constructed to meet the electricity demand of these remote villages. So far, 283 MHPs have been completed. Besides providing electricity for lighting purposes, it will also help in running small business like  flour mills etc. thus, generating employment.

            Operation Sadbhavna has in general created an urge among the people of the State to help themselves. The projects  under military civic action programmes, be it education, women empowerment, better healthcare or community development have yielded dividends to the people. They now want  peace and tranquility so that the benefits of development can further be expanded and strengthened.

*Inputs from PRO, Defence, Jammu