CM Flags-off Educational and Recreational Tour for Orphaned Children Under Sukh Aashray Yojana.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday flagged-off the first group of 22 orphaned children, marking the commencement of a 13-day educational and recreational tour under the state government’s Sukh Aashray Yojana. The children, who were all enrolled under the welfare scheme, boarded a Volvo bus from Shimla, embarking on a journey that promises both exposure and enrichment.
The Chief Minister expressed his well wishes to the children, hoping their journey would be both educational and memorable. Speaking to the media, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that the state government had passed a law for the welfare of orphaned children, under which 6,000 children have already been adopted. The Sukh Aashray Yojana, launched by the state government, aims to provide comprehensive support to these children, especially focusing on their education and welfare.
“This initiative will empower these children and prepare them for a brighter future by offering them the opportunity to learn and experience new environments,” said Sukhu. He added that the government is committed to ensuring that orphaned children receive the same opportunities and experiences as children in any other family.
The group of 16 girls and six boys will first visit Chandigarh from January 2 to 4, staying at the Himachal Bhawan in the city. Following that, they will travel to Delhi on January 5 via the Shatabdi Express, where they will visit historical landmarks until January 8. The tour will then take them to Goa, where they will stay in a three-star hotel and explore key tourist and historical attractions from January 9 to 14, 2025.
The Chief Minister stressed that this tour would provide the children with enriching exposure to diverse cultures and history, helping them broaden their horizons. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to act as the parents of these children and provide them with the necessary support for their holistic development.
Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil praised the government’s efforts, commending the compassionate approach of treating these children like a part of the state’s family. He contrasted this with the neglect experienced under previous administrations and assured that the current government remains focused on ensuring their well-being.
Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister (Media) Naresh Chauhan, and Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap were among the dignitaries present at the flag-off ceremony.
The Sukh Aashray Yojana is a testament to the state’s dedication to the future of its orphaned children, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.
