Noida: For Riya from Kasna village, the dream is clear, she wants to become an IAS officer. For Prashant Kumar of Bilaspur, it is a career in software engineering. Until recently, both aspirations were weighed down by financial hardship. Now, a scholarship initiative by Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) is helping turn those ambitions into attainable goals.Under its ‘Project Samarth – Seedhi (Ladder)’, NPCL has selected 10 meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds across rural Greater Noida, awarding each Rs 50,000 annually. Launched with the new academic session, the programme promises continued support throughout their higher education, subject to academic performance.Riya, daughter of a farmer earning about Rs 15,000 a month, scored 88% in Class 10 and 90% in Class 12 from Oxford Green Public School. She is now pursuing BA Economics at Gautam Buddha University (GBU), though financial limitations had cast uncertainty over her plans. “I was very stressed and thought I would lose out on my education and my dream to become an IAS officer. But now, with the financial help, I can buy the necessary books and reading materials to pursue my dream. I’m also looking at joining a coaching centre to study for the IAS exams,” she said.Prashant’s journey mirrors similar struggles. With a family income of just Rs 8,000 per month, he had nearly given up hope despite scoring 92% in Class 10 and 85% in Class 12. Now enrolled in BTech at GL Bajaj Engineering College, he sees a way forward. “I was almost losing hope of completing my education, as my family’s income is very low to sustain this big dream. But now with the financial aid, I think I can pursue my dream to become a software engineer,” he said.The scholarship also supports students like Kunal from Luksar, a BCom student aiming to become a bank manager; Anjali Bidhuri, who is studying political science and international relations; and Sindhu Bhati, pursuing BSc (Hons) Chemistry. Others include Ankit Pandit (BTech, CSE), Ayushi Nagar (BCA), Kanak (BCA), Babli, and Lucky Bhati, many of them children of farmers or daily wage labourers.NPCL officials emphasised that the support goes beyond a one-time grant. “The financial assistance provided to these 10 students is not a one-time handout; it represents a long-term investment in their future,” said Sarnath Ganguly, senior vice president (head distribution), NPCL, adding that funding will continue through their undergraduate studies based on performance.Eligibility criteria include residence in Greater Noida, enrolment in a full-time course at a recognised institution, at least 75% marks in Classes 10 and 12, and an annual family income below Rs 3 lakh.“This initiative will not only ease the financial burden of meritorious students but will also strengthen their confidence and guide them toward achieving their dreams. It is a significant step toward promoting equal opportunities, inclusivity, and social upliftment through education,” said Sharad Sinha, senior VP, NPCL.The selection process was conducted in partnership with Buddy4Study India Foundation to ensure deserving candidates were identified. As Praveen Goel, senior VP (commercial), NPCL, noted, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in underserved communities.
Riya, a farmer’s daughter from Kasna village, Gr Noida, is pursuing a BA in Economics at Gautam Buddha University (GBU)
Prashant Kumar, a farmer’s son from Bliaspur village in Gr Noida is pursuing BTech at GL Bajaj Engineering College.
