Operation Sadbhavana, Details, Need & Topa Pir Village

Operation Sadbhavana is a civic action programme started by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir. The word Sadbhavana means “goodwill.”

About Operation Sadbhavana

• Operation Sadbhavana (meaning Goodwill) is a special initiative by the Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to support people affected by terrorism and difficult conditions. Its main aim is to help local communities through welfare and development activities.
• In Ladakh, the Army runs seven Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) to provide quality education to children in remote areas. Currently, over 2,200 students study in these schools.
• The Indian Army also undertakes other projects under Operation Sadbhavana, including:
  • Building and improving infrastructure
  • Organizing education tours and skill development programs
  • Supporting healthcare, sports, women empowerment, employment and environmental projects
  • Promoting national integration and community development
• For the financial year 2022-23, around ₹8.82 crore were allocated for Ladakh to implement these activities. Projects are carefully chosen based on local needs and coordinated with the civil administration to avoid duplication.
• Under Operation Sadbhavana, women and girls in remote areas of Ladakh were empowered through vocational and skill training such as weaving, wool work, apricot oil extraction, and yak cheese making and initiatives like ‘Kargil Ignited Minds’ supported girls’ education and preparation for competitive exams, promoting skill development and gender empowerment.
• Operation Sadbhavana focused on infrastructure, education, community development, women and youth empowerment and health, while also working to counter anti-India propaganda in Kashmir.
• As part of Operation Sadbhavana, the Indian Army organized a National Integration Tour on 9 November 2025 for students and teachers from border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The tour exposed them to India’s progress in education and technology and strengthened their bond with the nation. This initiative reflects the Army’s role in promoting unity, youth development, and nation-building in remote areas.

Operation Sadbhavana Need

• Operation Sadbhavana was launched to support local communities in Jammu & Kashmir and reduce the influence of terrorist groups. These groups tried to create fear, target public services and turn people against the government, making locals vulnerable to recruitment into terrorism.
• The main goal of the project was to integrate the local population into the national mainstream and provide them with education, development, and livelihood support. It also aimed to counter proxy wars, where terrorist groups, supported by Pakistan through funding and arms, carried out attacks in the region.

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Adoption of Topa Pir Village

• The Indian Army adopted Topa Pir village in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir as part of a model village initiative to improve community welfare and development. 
• The village came into the spotlight after a controversial incident in which three civilians reportedly died due to alleged mistreatment by the Army. This event affected the trust and relationship between the Army and the local Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, who mainly live near the Line of Control (LoC).

UPSC Prelims PYQ

Q. Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called: [UPSC 2024]

(a) Operation Sankalp

(b) Operation Maitri

(c) Operation Sadbhavana

(d) Operation Madad

[Ans – (c)]