Shimla:

In a remarkable initiative aimed at providing quality education to orphaned children, the State Government of Himachal Pradesh has successfully enrolled 14 children in renowned educational institutions through the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashrya Scheme.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed that three orphaned girls from Shishu Sudhar Grih have secured admission to Convent Tara Hall School in Shimla, with transportation arrangements soon to follow. Additionally, five children from Shishu Sudhar Grih have been enrolled in Dayanand Public School, Shimla. Four orphans have gained admission to Pinegrove School, Solan, while two children have been admitted to DAV School Sundernagar in the Mandi district. The State Government is covering all expenses related to their education, with plans underway to expand this initiative to include more orphaned children in prestigious institutions across the state.

Under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashrya Yojna, significant financial support has been provided to orphaned children. In the previous fiscal year, 1,084 children residing in Child Care Institutions (CCI) received financial assistance totaling Rs. 1.02 crore. Additionally, 2,719 beneficiaries received Rs. 4.34 crore as a monthly pocket money of Rs. 4,000 each. Further assistance included festival allowances, clothing allowances, and nutritional diet funds. In the current fiscal year, 1,061 orphans are slated to receive Rs. 1.99 crore in social security benefits, while 3,121 beneficiaries will receive a total of Rs. 16.89 crore as monthly pocket money. Festival allowances amounting to Rs. 65.76 lakh will also be distributed among 1,025 orphans.

The Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashrya Yojna also extends support for higher education, vocational training, skill development, and startup projects. In the previous fiscal year, financial assistance was provided to beneficiaries for various educational and skill development endeavors. In the current fiscal year, further financial support has been allocated to beneficiaries pursuing higher education, vocational training, skill development, and startup projects.

Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the government’s commitment to uplifting underprivileged sections of society. Himachal Pradesh’s pioneering legislation dedicated to supporting orphans underscores the state’s dedication to ensuring the well-being and education of its most vulnerable citizens, empowering them to lead dignified lives.