Shimla, 22 June: Women are integral to society, and the Himachal Pradesh Government is placing them at the heart of its drive for an Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) Himachal. A series of health, education, safety and financial-inclusion programmes is now delivering tangible results for women and children across the state.
A Healthier Sex Ratio
Thanks to these sustained efforts, the state’s sex ratio has improved markedly—from 947 girls per 1,000 boys in 2023 to 964 in 2024—signalling a clear shift in social attitudes toward girls.
Financial Support for Life’s Milestones
Mukhya Mantri Kanyadaan Yojana: 3,956 brides from disadvantaged families received a total of ₹ 198.9 million at the time of marriage.
Mukhya Mantri Shagun Yojana: 12,192 young women have been granted ₹ 377.9 million, easing the financial burden on their families and ensuring these women begin married life with dignity.
Widow Remarriage Scheme: 239 women have received ₹ 29.1 million to help them start anew.
Caring for the Vulnerable
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s Mukhya Mantri Sukh Ashray initiative has allocated ₹ 259.8 million to provide shelter and care for orphaned children, while the companion Sukh Shiksha scheme has channelled ₹ 30.2 million to support the education of 9,859 children.
Equal Rights to Family Land
In a landmark move, the state has amended the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act (1972) to treat daughters as separate family units—parity with sons—when calculating the maximum permissible land a family may own. This step significantly strengthens women’s property rights.
Indira Gandhi Sukh Suraksha Yojana
Under this flagship programme, the government deposits ₹ 25,000 with an insurance company for up to two daughters born in a BPL household and provides a ₹ 200,000 life-insurance cover for each parent. The principal amount is handed to the girl when she reaches adulthood—or at her discretion, up to the age of 27.
Safe, Affordable Housing for Working Women
To support women in the workforce, 13 hostels will be built this fiscal year in key hubs such as Solan, Baddi, Palampur, Gagret and the forthcoming Medical Device Park. The project, budgeted at ₹ 1.32 billion, will offer secure, affordable accommodation close to major employment centres.
Under the Chief Minister’s decisive leadership, Himachal Pradesh is steadily crafting an environment in which women and children can thrive—socially, educationally and economically. These initiatives are not only fostering individual self-reliance but also laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive society.
