Munish Sood
SHIMLA: With a vision to ensure the holistic development of children residing in Child Care Institutions (CCIs), the Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday flagged off a special educational and exposure programme titled “Children of the State Tour”. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off a Volvo bus carrying 52 children from the Shimla Secretariat, reaffirming the government’s commitment to nurturing and empowering vulnerable children under its care.
Interacting warmly with the children before their departure, the Chief Minister encouraged them to make the most of this unique journey by exploring, learning and enjoying new experiences. He said the tour would help them gain knowledge, understand India’s diversity and develop a broader national outlook.
Exposure, learning and national integration
The 10-day tour, which will continue till January 15, 2026, will take the children to major cities, including Chandigarh, Delhi, Agra and Goa. The itinerary has been designed to combine education, recreation and cultural exposure, offering the children an opportunity to experience India’s rich heritage, modern infrastructure and leading educational institutions.
In Delhi, the children will visit prominent landmarks such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Shakti Sthal, Veer Bhoomi, Humayun’s Tomb, the National Zoological Park, the National Science Museum, North and South Blocks, the Indian Council of World Affairs, Triveni Kala Sangam and the National Museum of Natural History. In Agra, they will see the iconic Taj Mahal.
Goa visit to boost scientific, cultural awareness
During the Goa leg of the tour, the children will visit famous beaches, churches and temples, enjoy a pleasure cruise and be taken to the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services to enhance their scientific and environmental awareness. The children will travel using multiple modes of transport, including Volvo buses, air and rail travel, as well as hop-on hop-off tourist buses.
The Chief Minister said such exposure tours play a crucial role in building self-confidence, curiosity, national awareness and social consciousness among children. He directed officials to ensure there is no lapse in the safety, comfort and well-being of the children throughout the journey, adding that accommodation has been arranged in three-star hotels.
Sukh-Aashray Yojana: State as guardian
CM Sukhu reiterated that under the flagship Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, the state government has taken complete responsibility for children who have lost their parents. “These children are now under the direct care of the state and must receive the same opportunities and experiences as any child growing up in a family,” he said.
After assuming office, the Chief Minister had visited the Balika Ashram at Tutikandi in Shimla and pledged full responsibility for the care and welfare of destitute children, women and senior citizens. Himachal Pradesh subsequently became the first state in the country to enact a dedicated law for these vulnerable sections.
Since February 28, 2023, around 4,000 orphaned children have been adopted as “Children of the State,” with comprehensive support including education, healthcare, housing, pocket money, career counselling, national and international exposure visits, and a provision of Rs 2 lakh to help them start their own ventures.
The Chief Minister also announced that similar educational tours would be organised for Children of the State from other districts, with Deputy Commissioners directed to facilitate such initiatives. Meanwhile, he noted that the state has begun the New Year with a major relief measure by approving employment for 980 compassionate dependents in the first phase under the compassionate appointment policy, providing much-needed stability to affected families.
