The Dehradun district administration has helped 126 needy girls through the Nanda-Sunanda project. Notably, the project funds girls whose studies stopped due to poverty. It also supports skill training for them. Moreover, by February 2026, the administration had spent over Rs 62 lakh on the project. So, it has become a key local effort under ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’.
The 13th Round of Support
District Magistrate Savin Bansal distributed cheques at the Collectorate in Dehradun. Then, in this 13th round, 34 girls received Rs 9 lakh. As a result, the total reached 126 girls. Also, the DM said, “All the girls are like the goddesses Nanda-Sunanda.” Further, he urged them to succeed and become role models for other girls.
Why the Girls Needed Help
Many beneficiaries had lost their fathers or faced illness at home. Meanwhile, others had mothers in low-paid work. Worse still, in some cases, schools had stopped girls over unpaid fees. Therefore, the project pays fees so that these girls can return to class.
How the Project Began
DM Savin Bansal and CDO Abhinav Shah launched the project in February 2025. Initially, they gave Rs 2,44,731 to seven girls. Then, those girls joined courses from Class 12 through NIOS to a PhD. Moreover, the plan aims to educate girls at least up to graduation.
How Girls Are Selected
A multidisciplinary committee selects girls in difficult circumstances. First, applications come through government offices and Janta Darbars. In addition, Anganwadi workers identify cases in their surveys. Also, girls’ homes under district welfare officers refer candidates.
Nanda-Sunanda Project: Key Facts for Revision
- Run by: Dehradun district administration
- Launched: February 2025 by DM Savin Bansal and CDO Abhinav Shah
- Beneficiaries so far: 126 girls
- Total spent: Over Rs 62 lakh
- 13th round: 34 girls, Rs 9 lakh
- Link: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
Why the Nanda-Sunanda Project Matters for UKPSC
Notably, district-level innovations often feature in UKPSC questions on welfare and governance. So, remember the district, the 126 girls and the Rs 62 lakh figure. Also, link the name with the Nanda and Sunanda goddesses revered across Kumaon and Garhwal. For official updates, also visit Dehradun district. Next, for a related story, read about Uttarakhand’s Gender Budget 2026-27. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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