₹30 Crore Welfare Schemes Empower Women in Kangra, Says MLA Kewal Singh Pathania on International Women’s Day

Marking the spirit of International Women’s Day, the Women and Child Development Department organised a special celebration at the Mini Secretariat complex in Shahpur, honouring women’s achievements and highlighting government initiatives aimed at strengthening their social and economic empowerment.

Shahpur MLA and Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, who attended the event as the chief guest, said the government remains firmly committed to uplifting women through focused welfare programmes. He revealed that financial assistance worth nearly ₹30 crore has been provided to women and children across Kangra district during the current financial year.

Speaking about key initiatives, Pathania said that under the Beti Hai Anmol Yojana, 421 girls in Kangra district received a birth grant amounting to ₹1.15 crore during 2025–26, encouraging families to support and educate their daughters.

Similarly, under the Chief Minister Shagun Yojana, 1,377 daughters were provided financial assistance of 4.26 crore, offering crucial support to families during marriage-related expenses.

The MLA also highlighted the Chief Minister Kanyadaan Yojana, under which the state government extended ₹2.08 crore to support the marriages of 586 daughters, helping economically weaker families and ensuring daughters receive dignified support at an important stage of life.

Emphasising support for vulnerable women, Pathania said the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana has become a major relief for widowed and abandoned women. Under the scheme, mothers of around 6,700 children in Kangra district receive ₹1,000 per month as social security assistance, while the government also bears the entire cost of their children’s education. Approximately ₹8.5 crore has been spent under this scheme during the current year.

The event also featured cultural performances and a short play presented by department workers, highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment in society. On the occasion, 65 women — including officers, field workers and schoolgirls — were honoured with mementoes and certificates for their outstanding contributions and achievements over the past year.

The programme concluded with a message of appreciation for women’s role in building stronger families and communities, making the celebration a meaningful tribute to their resilience and achievements.

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