Una, July 2- Himachal government's Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana has become a medium of ground change for needy families along with shaping a new future for children. In Una district, financial assistance of Rs 1 crore 92 lakh 69 thousand has been provided so far under this scheme covering 2189 children, which has brought the light of education to poor homes.
Started on the initiative of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, this scheme is becoming a lifesaver for those children whose mothers are widows, divorced, abandoned or destitute, or whose parents are suffering from 70 percent or more disability.
The government provides assistance of Rs 1 thousand per month to such children till the age of 18 years so that their primary education, nutrition and basic needs can be met. On the other hand, if hostel facility is not available, then assistance of Rs 3 thousand per month is given to the youth of 18 to 27 years pursuing higher education.
This scheme is being implemented effectively in all the development blocks of Una district. District Program Officer (ICDS) Narendra Kumar says that this scheme has become a big source of relief for those families for whom continuing the education of children was a financial challenge.
On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal says that this scheme has been implemented effectively at the ground level in accordance with the thinking of the Chief Minister and the administration is ensuring that no eligible child is deprived of this benefit. The real effect of the scheme can be clearly seen from the words of the beneficiary families.
Puja Puri of Una Ward No. 6 says that after the death of her husband, it became difficult to bear the expenses of the education of two daughters, but the assistance of Rs 12 thousand in six months gave a big support. Many women like Saroj Bala of Kotla Kalan and Renu Devi of Una have thanked the Chief Minister, calling this scheme a lifesaver.
Tanmay, who is now studying in Class XI, says that the financial burden on the family after his father's death was so much that he might have had to give up his studies. But the Sukh Shiksha Yojana proved to be a boon for him. Now he is studying and dreaming new dreams of a bright future.