One Seat Reserved for Orphaned Children in Every Course at Himachal’s Technical Institutes

Shimla, August 7

In a progressive step toward social inclusion, the Himachal Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has announced that one seat in every course across all government, semi-government, and private technical institutions will be reserved for orphaned children. This decision applies to Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, engineering colleges, and pharmacy institutions in the state.

The initiative aims to provide quality technical education to orphaned children—one of the most vulnerable sections of society. By removing structural and financial barriers, the government intends to offer these children a dignified opportunity to pursue their aspirations and build a brighter future.

A government spokesperson stated that admissions under this provision will be strictly merit-based, and eligibility will be verified by a competent authority. The reservation will be implemented without increasing the total number of sanctioned seats or imposing any additional infrastructural or financial burden on the institutions. The objective is to enhance social inclusion through better utilization of existing resources without compromising on quality.

This step aligns with the state government’s broader vision to empower underprivileged communities and strengthens existing welfare initiatives—particularly the Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana, which recognizes orphaned children as “Children of the State.”

Under this scheme, the government assumes responsibility for the overall care and education of orphaned children up to the age of 27. Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to enact legislation that grants legal rights to orphans, ensuring they lead lives of dignity and purpose.