Una, July 6: The life of 26-year-old Avinash, a resident of Bahdala village in Una district, was once fraught with deep struggles. Losing both parents during his childhood turned both his livelihood and his future into major challenges. However, his determination, hard work, and the support received through the 'Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana'—an initiative launched by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu—changed the course of his life. Today, Avinash runs a successful mobile repair and accessories business in Una city's Kapila Market and leads a dignified, self-reliant life.
Avinash was in the fifth grade when his father, who supported the family by working as a daily wage laborer, passed away. Subsequently, his mother shouldered the responsibility of raising and educating both sons with limited resources. However, a few years later, Avinash's mother also passed away. Losing both parents at a young age meant that all of life's responsibilities fell upon the shoulders of the two brothers.
Despite adverse circumstances, Avinash did not lose heart and continued his education. After completing his tenth-grade studies, he underwent training in mobile repair in Nangal. Following his training, he gained practical experience by working at various mobile repair shops for about seven years.
Bolstered by experience and self-confidence, he started his own mobile repair and accessories business two years ago by renting a small shop in Una's Kapila Market. Initially, the shop offered only mobile repair services, a few second-hand mobile phones, and a limited range of accessories. While customer trust grew steadily due to his hard work, honesty, and excellent service, expanding the business was difficult due to limited financial resources.

**Support from Sukh Aashray**
It was during this time that the 'Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana' brought new hope into his life. Under the scheme, he began receiving financial assistance of ?4,000 per month. He also received financial assistance of ?2 lakh to promote self-employment. With this support, he expanded his shop, purchased modern equipment, and introduced other technical services alongside mobile repairing. Under the scheme, his brother is also receiving financial aid of ?4,000 per month.
Today, Avinash's shop offers new and second-hand mobile phones, accessories, and various technical services, including mobile repairs. Around 50 to 60 customers visit his shop daily. He earns approximately ?45,000 per month from this business. Driven by growing customer trust and quality service, his business is steadily expanding, and he is now planning further growth.
Avinash says that after the passing of his parents, he often felt it would be difficult to move forward. However, the support received through the 'Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana' gave him the opportunity to stand on his own feet. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, he notes that the government's assistance not only provided financial stability but also taught him to believe in his future again. Today, he is self-reliant and aims to expand his mobile repair business.

**The Government as Family: 'Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana' is the fruit of CM Sukhu's compassionate vision**
It is noteworthy that the 'Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana'—launched on February 28, 2023, at the initiative of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu—aims to provide security, education, and self-reliance to children and youth who have lost parental care at a young age. Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to grant the legal status of 'Children of the State' to orphaned children.
The government is fulfilling the responsibility for the education, care, and other essential needs of eligible children until they reach the age of 27. Under the scheme, financial assistance of up to ?2 lakh is also being provided to eligible youth to help them establish self-employment ventures. **?20 Lakh for 10 Youths in Una**
Harish Mishra, District Programme Officer (ICDS), Una, stated that 84 youths across the state have already started their own businesses with this assistance. In Una district, financial aid amounting to ?20 lakh has been provided to 10 youths to establish micro-enterprises.

**DC Says: Committed to Extending Benefits to Every Eligible Child**
Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that the district administration's priority is to ensure that the benefits of the 'Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana' reach every eligible child in a timely manner. To achieve this, eligible children are being identified and linked to the scheme so that no child in need is deprived of its benefits.

**At a Glance: Support for Self-Employment under Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana**
• The scheme was launched on February 28, 2023, at the initiative of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
• Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to grant the legal status of 'Children of the State' to orphaned children.
• 6,000 destitute children from the state have been linked to the scheme.
• The government is assuming responsibility for the education, care, and other essential needs of eligible children up to the age of 27.
• Financial assistance of up to ?2 lakh is being provided to eligible youths for self-employment.
• So far, 84 youths in the state have started their own businesses with this assistance.
• In Una district, financial aid of ?20 lakh has been provided to 10 youths to set up micro-enterprises.