Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta launched the REWA 2.0 Financial Assistance Scheme at the LG Secretariat, Leh, on October 18, in the presence of Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, Bhanu Prabha, and senior officials of the UT Administration.

The launch of REWA 2.0 marks a significant step towards youth empowerment and equitable opportunity in the Union Territory, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to support 80 meritorious yet economically disadvantaged candidates from Leh and Kargil in preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Addressing the gathering, Lt. Governor Gupta highlighted the need to make UPSC coaching more accessible to students from economically weaker sections of Ladakh. He emphasised that providing merit-based financial assistance will help talented youth from the region compete at the national level, secure top government positions, and contribute to nation-building.

He stated that REWA 2.0 will offer a level playing field to deserving candidates by covering both coaching and accommodation expenses of ₹1.18 lakh per candidate for a period of six months. This support will enable aspirants to receive quality training at reputed coaching institutions across the country.

“The scheme ensures that financial hardship does not stand in the way of talented youth from Ladakh who aspire to serve the nation through the civil services,” he said. The Lt. Governor added that the initiative aligns with the Administration’s broader vision of inclusive development through education and opportunity, urging eligible youth to seize this chance and strive for excellence with determination and confidence.

Lt. Governor Gupta also commended Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Bhanu Prabha, and her team for conceptualising and implementing the scheme, describing it as a visionary initiative that reflects the Administration’s focus on empowerment, merit, and equal opportunity. He expressed confidence that such efforts will help nurture local talent and prepare a new generation of capable and confident civil servants from the Union Territory.

Earlier, Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, Bhanu Prabha, explained that under the REWA 2.0 scheme, financial assistance of ₹1.18 lakh — covering both coaching and accommodation costs — will be provided to 40 candidates each from Leh and Kargil, including two seats per district reserved for persons with disabilities, for a duration of six months.

She added that candidates aged between 21 and 36 years may select any coaching institute of their choice and must appear in the forthcoming UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination.

Encouraging the youth to take full advantage of this opportunity, Bhanu Prabha said the scheme is designed to support and empower deserving candidates to realise their aspirations and serve the nation through the civil services.