Srinagar/Pulwama: As a major step towards imparting digital literacy to the children of Kashmir and introducing them to interactive learning on digital platform, PNB MetLife, a leading insurance player launched computer centres in two Government schools of Pulwama district today in partnership with CRY (Child Rights and You). Honourable Minister of Finance, Labour and Employment, Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Haseeb Drabu graced the occasion and inaugurated the newly built computer centres along with Mr. Ashish Srivastava, CEO (Designate), PNB MetLife. To further encourage children towards studies, the Honourable Minister distributed school bags and stationery items to the students from Govt. High School Sangerwani and Govt. High School Qasbayar, Pulwama. With 15 computers being installed in both the schools, now close to 400 students will be able to benefit from the facility.

Speaking on the occasion, Honourable Minister for Finance, Labour and employment, Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Haseeb Drabu said, “I have always maintained that our economy should spend much more on the education sector than what is being spent now. I am encouraged to see J&K Bank and PNB MetLife coming forward to equip our children with better education and skills.  This is a great initiative to provide much needed IT literacy to the children coming from the marginalised sections of the society.”

On this development, Mr. Ashish Srivastava, CEO (Designate), PNB MetLife said, “Our CSR programme was launched in J&K in 2014. With support from State Government, we, along with CRY, have been able to successfully impact 26,000 children and reach the stage of introducing children to computer education. In today’s era, it's a must to know basics of operating a computer to be employable. With the aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of communities we operate in, we hope to nurture young minds and support them to become responsible citizens.”

The initiative is geared towards eradicating “digital divide” from the project areas of PNB MetLife. Along with this, supplementary computer teachers are being trained who will responsible for teaching basics of computers to the students. Interactive learning programmes are also being introduced. This will enable students to understand their subjects better with the help of educational videos and presentations. In addition to the students enrolled in the school, children from nearby schools in the district will also be able to benefit from the facility and computer education to be imparted. 

Soha Moitra, Regional Director- North, Child Rights and You said, “Learning computers will be a new and exciting experience for the children, one that will encourage interaction and learning. Computer knowledge and know-how will help children keep in step with the rapidly changing world and broaden their horizon. Our partnership with PNB MetLife is aimed at providing a holistic learning experience to the children of J&K and this initiative of bridging the digital gap is a positive step in that direction”.

Recording a strong progress under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, last year PNB MetLife also announced the successful mainstreaming of over 700 children in government schools through a unique concept called Children Activity Centres (CAC). During this period, a landmark achievement was also recorded wherein the state government recognized CAC and is also considering adopting it as a model for Non Residential Bridge Course (NRBC) of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan.  The program, launched in the year 2014, is aimed at improving the conditions of children in Jammu & Kashmir. The partnership with Child Rights and You (CRY) is currently benefitting over 16,000 children across 30 Panchayats of J&K State.

About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited
PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) has as its shareholders MetLife International Holdings LLC. (MIHL), Punjab National Bank Limited (PNB), Jammu & Kashmir Bank Limited (JKB), M. Pallonji and Company Private Limited and other private investors, with MIHL and PNB being the majority shareholders. 

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About CRY
CRY – Child Rights and You (formerly known as Child Relief and You) is an Indian NGO that believes in every child’s right to a childhood – to live, to learn, grow and play. For over 30 years, CRY and its partners have worked with parents and communities to ensure Lasting Change in the lives of more than 20 Lakh underprivileged children. For more information please visit us at www.cry.org.