SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. The association hailed Dr. Singh's exceptional contributions to student-centric policies, particularly for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, describing him as a visionary leader whose impact will resonate for generations.He said that Dr. Manmohan Singh played a historic and transformative role in conceptualizing and implementing the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for students from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Introduced in 2011 during his tenure as Prime Minister, the scheme aimed to provide opportunities for 5,000 meritorious students annually to pursue higher education in premier private and government institutions across India.Khuehami said, “Dr. Singh envisioned this scholarship not merely as financial aid but as a pathway to empower the youth of J&K through education. It was a transformative step aimed at fostering economic self-reliance and intellectual development.
The PMSSS has since become a lifeline for thousands of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By covering tuition fees, boarding, lodging, and other essential expenses, the scholarship has enabled students to study diverse fields, including engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. Over 50,000 students have benefitted from this initiative to date, bridging geographical, social, and economic gaps.“Dr. Singh’s vision ensured that students from the marginalized and conflict-affected regions of J&K could access quality education and realize their full potential.
His efforts continue to shape a generation of empowered youth contributing meaningfully to the nation,” Khuehami said.He further emphasized that the scholarship has been instrumental in promoting mobility and interaction between students of J&K and their peers across the country, fostering mutual understanding and unity.Khuehami also recalled another significant initiative by Dr. Singh – the Himayat Scheme, also known as the Skill Empowerment and Employment Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir (SEE-J&K). Launched to train and employ over one lakh youth from poor families, the scheme has been a game-changer in enhancing the employability of the region’s youth. Dr. Singh allocated over ₹300 crores for this programme, underscoring his commitment to the upliftment of the region’s underprivileged.
The Association said that, “Dr. Manmohan Singh was an epitome of grace, intellect, and calm leadership. He symbolized dignity in public life and served as a beacon of hope for generations. His integrity, humility, and quiet strength inspired millions and set a benchmark for leadership rooted in values and purpose,” it said.The association described Dr. Singh as a statesman par excellence, a visionary economist who transformed India’s economy, and a compassionate leader who always prioritized the welfare of the marginalized.Expressing condolences to Dr. Singh’s family and admirers, the association stated, “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy will continue to inspire us all. His contributions to education, empowerment, and nation-building are immeasurable, and his absence will be deeply felt.”
