The Himachal Pradesh Congress government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is all set to mark its two-year anniversary with a grand celebration at Luhnu Ground in Bilaspur on December 11.
Among the achievements to be showcased, the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana, an initiative for the welfare of orphans, destitute women and senior citizens, will take centre-stage as an example of the government’s commitment to social upliftment.
The event, themed “Vyavastha Parivartan Se Atmanirbhar Himachal” (systemic change for a self-reliant Himachal), will highlight the progress made under various government schemes while announcing new ones to ensure inclusive growth. With over 30,000 people expected to attend, the anniversary celebrations aim to connect the government’s vision with its people and reinforce its focus on progressive governance.
Orphans to get Rs 4,000 monthly till age of 27
Launched on February 16, 2023, the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana has cemented Himachal Pradesh’s position as the first state in the country to legislate support for orphans, disabled children, destitute women and senior citizens.
At the state-level ceremony in Shimla’s Ridge Ground, CM Sukhu had emphasised that the initiative was not just a welfare scheme but a step towards creating a compassionate and inclusive society.
Under this scheme, approximately 2,700 newly identified orphaned children living with relatives were now eligible for a monthly financial assistance of Rs 4,000 until they turn 27. Additionally, the scheme provides Rs 1,000 for children aged 0-14 years and Rs 2,500 for those aged 14-18 years. To support higher education, orphaned youth above 18 years receive an annual coaching and hostel fee of Rs 1 lakh and a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 during their studies.
3 biswa land, Rs 3 lakh aid to build houses
The Sukh-Ashray Yojana goes beyond financial aid to include holistic support for beneficiaries. Orphaned children without homes are provided with 3 biswa of land and financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh to build houses.
The programme also allocates Rs 2 lakh for the marriage of eligible orphaned children and an additional one-time grant of Rs 2 lakh for those starting their own businesses.
Moreover, the government has allocated Rs 101 crore for the scheme’s effective implementation. A unique aspect of the initiative is the focus on recreational and personal development, with monthly picnics and counselling sessions for orphaned children to foster their overall well-being.
Sukh-Ashray Yojana at anniversary celebration
The two-year anniversary event in Bilaspur is expected to showcase the success of the Sukh-Ashray Yojana, with beneficiaries likely to be brought to the stage to underline the scheme’s transformative impact. CM Sukhu is expected to announce enhancements to the programme, reflecting the government’s continued focus on social welfare.
The celebration will also see the launch of new initiatives such as e-taxis under the Rajiv Gandhi Start-Up Swarojgar Yojana, the Him Bhog Atta scheme and five Ayush mobile vans to extend healthcare services to rural areas.
