Unique Initiative of Himachal Government: Children of Widowed, Divorced, and Disabled Parents to Receive Assistance

Chamba, March 30 – The Himachal Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is prioritizing social welfare with innovative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable sections of society. In line with this commitment, the state has launched the ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana,’ a scheme designed to provide educational, health, and nutritional support to children from economically disadvantaged families, particularly those with widowed, divorced, or disabled parents. This forward-thinking program ensures that the children of these families, who face financial hardships, receive the opportunity for a better future.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

The ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana’ aims to alleviate the financial burden on families that struggle to provide for their children’s education and well-being. The scheme offers several benefits:

1. Financial Assistance for Children: Eligible children below the age of 18 years will receive a financial assistance of one thousand rupees per month. This is aimed at providing essential support to children in needy families to ensure they don’t miss out on their education.

2. Free Education for Older Students: Students between the age of 18 to 27 years are entitled to free education in degree, diploma, or various professional courses at any government institution within Himachal Pradesh. This initiative is a major step in ensuring that young people from economically weak backgrounds can pursue higher education without the worry of tuition fees.

3. Hostel Fee Assistance: Students who do not have access to hostel facilities will receive three thousand rupees per month to help cover their postgraduate (PG) accommodation fees, further facilitating their continued education.

Eligibility and Required Documents

To avail the benefits of this welfare initiative, certain eligibility criteria must be met. Applicants should:

• Be permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh.

• Have an annual family income of less than one lakh rupees.

• Submit a set of essential documents, including:

  • Father’s death certificate (for children of widows).

  • Parent’s disability certificate (for children of disabled parents).

  • Divorce certificate (for children of divorced parents).

  • Himachali certificate.

  • Income certificate.

  • Age certificate and a family copy.

These documents help to validate the eligibility and ensure that the benefits reach the most deserving individuals.

Effective Implementation in Chamba District

The implementation of the ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana’ has been particularly effective in Chamba district, where the scheme has already made a significant impact. According to Kamal Kishore Sharma, the District Program Officer (Child Development), a total of 1043 applications have been approved so far. Additionally, the departmental process for around 700 more cases is ongoing, indicating that the scheme is reaching many families in need.

How to Avail the Benefits

To access the benefits of the ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana,’ eligible individuals can reach out to the following local offices for assistance:

• Anganwadi worker or Supervisor.

• Child Development Project Officer.

• District Program Officer (Women and Child Development).

These officials will guide applicants through the process and help them complete the necessary paperwork to receive support.

A Step Towards a Brighter Future

The Himachal Pradesh government’s ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana’ is a crucial step in empowering children from disadvantaged families, ensuring they have access to education and opportunities for a better future. By providing financial and educational support, the scheme is enabling vulnerable children to overcome socio-economic challenges and move towards a more dignified and prosperous life.

This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens, particularly those who face the greatest hardships. With its effective implementation, this scheme is paving the way for a brighter future for children in Himachal Pradesh.