Chief Minister Launches e-Kalyan Portal for Easier Access to Welfare Schemes

Shimla, April 28:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the e-Kalyan portal of the Department of Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Specially-Abled (eSOMSA) in Shimla. The portal has been developed under the broader Him Parivar platform.

Through this portal, all eligible applicants in Himachal Pradesh can now apply online for pension schemes implemented by the Directorate of eSOMSA. Speaking at the launch, the Chief Minister emphasized that providing social security pensions to the people of the state remains one of the government’s top priorities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working in accordance with the principles of a welfare state.

Currently, eight pension schemes are being implemented across the state. In the last financial year, the government spent ₹1,410 crore on these programs, benefiting 824,928 individuals. For the current financial year, an additional 37,000 new beneficiaries will be added to the social security pension scheme, requiring an estimated additional expenditure of ₹67 crore.

Officials informed that the e-Kalyan portal has been integrated with the Him Bhoomi, Him Parivar, Aadhaar, and PDS ration card databases. Applicants can apply either directly or through Lok Mitra Kendras by visiting https://himparivar.hp.gov.in/ekalyan. There will be no need for applicants to physically visit offices for certification or application submission. Notifications regarding application errors, verification, and approval will also be communicated digitally to applicants at their homes.

On this occasion, Dr. Nipun Jindal, Director of Digital Technology and Governance, gave a detailed presentation on the portal.

The event was also attended by Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment; Harshwardhan Chauhan, Minister of Industries; Vikramaditya Singh, Minister of Public Works; Bhawani Singh Pathania, Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Board; MLA Sanjay Awasthi; Secretaries Ashish Singmar and Rakhil Kahalon; Director of eSOMSA Kiran Bhadana; Special Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Harish Gajju; Additional Director Rajeev Sharma, and other senior officials.