Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, stated that the State Government has ensured transparency and fairness in the selection of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, thereby guaranteeing that welfare schemes reach the genuinely deserving and underprivileged sections of society.
Addressing the third day of the ongoing interaction programme with BPL-selected families at Chinar Palace, Banikhet, the Speaker said that such dialogues are helping identify every eligible family living below the poverty line so that they can benefit from various government welfare initiatives.
He informed that, as per the latest survey, around 50,000 families in Chamba district have been identified under the BPL category. The process was completed in eight stages, ensuring unbiased identification based solely on need.
Pathania added that the State Government has also adopted a humanitarian approach in providing relief to disaster-affected families, offering assistance from its own resources without any political bias.
He further mentioned that under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana, women from BPL families will receive ₹1,500 per month as financial support, emphasizing that even small assistance can make a significant difference for poor families.
Highlighting the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, he said the initiative ensures comprehensive care, education, housing, and future security for orphaned children — a historic step unmatched by any other state in the country.
The Speaker directed representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions to actively connect eligible beneficiaries with welfare schemes and ensure they receive the intended benefits. He also listened to public grievances and resolved most issues on the spot.
Earlier, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Anil Bhardwaj welcomed the Speaker, while Block Development Officer Anil Gurada shared key developmental insights from Bhatiyat block.
Among those present were State Forest Corporation Board Member Chela Krishan Chand, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sher Singh, Divisional Forest Officer Dr. Kuldeep Jamwal, Executive Engineers Pankaj Rathore, Rakesh Thakur, Narendra Chaudhary, Devendra Rana, and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Participating Gram Panchayats: Samleu, Sundli, Mel, Moranu, Jiyunta, Sherpur, Tappar, Nagli, Chuhan, Bathri, Maluda, Ughral, Bagdhar, Dhalog, Baily, Manola, Ruliyani, Padharotu, Osal, and Devidera.
