Una, August 1: The 'Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana' (Chief Minister's Scheme for Shelter and Well-being), launched at the initiative of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is proving to be a strong pillar of support for children who have lost their parents or are in need of special care and protection. Under this scheme, financial assistance amounting to approximately five crore rupees has been provided to 471 children in Una district so far through various components. These children are finding a new path toward a dignified life through facilities related to education, security, skill development, and self-reliance.
Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to assume responsibility for the protection and development of orphaned children by granting them the legal status of "Children of the State."

**Protection for Children Needing Special Care**
This scheme is designed for children who require special care and protection. It covers orphans, semi-orphans, differently-abled children, and children under legal guardianship. The objective of the scheme is to provide them with a stable economic and social foundation so that they can move forward with confidence.
Under the scheme, eligible children are provided institutional care up to the age of 27. The state government bears the responsibility for food, clothing, healthcare, education, housing, and higher education. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu states that for children who have no other support, the government itself acts as both mother and father.

**A New Foundation for Education and Dreams**
Under the scheme, every eligible child receives a monthly pocket allowance of ?4,000. For children residing in child care institutions, ?1,000 is deposited monthly into the accounts of those up to 14 years of age, while ?2,500 is deposited for those aged 15 to 18.
Students pursuing higher education are provided rental assistance of ?3,000 per month if hostel accommodation is unavailable. Students also benefit from educational tours and exposure visits, with the entire cost borne by the state government. **A Comprehensive Initiative Towards a Dignified Life**
Under the *Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana*, provisions include financial assistance of ?2 lakh for marriage, three *biswas* of land for housing construction, and financial aid of up to ?3 lakh for building a home. Additionally, an annual clothing allowance of ?10,000 and a festival allowance of ?500 are provided.
The scheme also offers financial assistance of up to ?2 lakh to eligible beneficiaries to start their own startups, enabling them to become self-reliant.

**Expanding the Scope of the Scheme**
The scheme is being continuously expanded to ensure inclusivity. Destitute elderly individuals, the transgender community, abandoned or surrendered children, and single women have also been included to provide them with permanent economic support and a dignified life.

**Increased Support for the *Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Kosh***
To further strengthen this initiative, the state government has established the *Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Kosh* (Fund). Contributions are being sought from the general public, social organizations, and corporate entities alongside government funding. The objective is to meet the children's needs regarding higher education, vocational training, and other requirements on a long-term basis.

**Impactful Results in Una District**
Harish Mishra, District Programme Officer (ICDS), Una, stated that since 2023, a total of over ?4.99 crore in assistance has been provided to 471 children in the district under various programs. Of this, ?3,02,45,171 was given to 289 children as social security assistance. Financial aid amounting to ?36,42,450 was provided to 29 students for higher education, and ?8,06,621 was made available to 18 youths for vocational training.
Under coaching assistance, two students received ?1,48,000; one youth received ?98,000 for skill development; and ten youths received ?34 lakh to start micro-startups. Additionally, ?72 lakh was provided to 36 youths as marriage assistance, and ?40.50 lakh was given to 34 youths for house construction. Meanwhile, ?80,000 was provided to 50 children in the form of clothing grants and festival allowances.
Harish Mishra stated that the department aims to make the children self-reliant while ensuring their protection. The scheme is being implemented by integrating education, skill development, employment, and social dignity.

**District Administration's Priority: No Eligible Child Left Out**
Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that, in accordance with the directives of Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the district administration is working diligently to ensure that the benefits of the 'Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana' reach every eligible child in a timely and transparent manner. He added that efforts are being made to ensure no eligible child is deprived of the scheme's benefits.