Una, September 22 - In accordance with the public-spirited vision of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal government is continuously taking concrete initiatives to improve the living standards of the underprivileged sections of society. In line with this vision, the Maharishi Valmiki Kamgar Awas Yojana for sanitation workers has been implemented with special priority. 
This scheme is a gift of respect for sanitation warriors. It not only provides financial assistance for housing construction but also represents an important step towards a dignified life.
Under the scheme, eligible sanitation workers will be provided financial assistance of ?3 lakh to build a permanent house, enabling them to move out of unsafe and dilapidated housing and live a respectable life.

*These are the eligibility criteria:
To avail the benefits of the scheme, individuals must be permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh. A caste certificate belonging to the Valmiki community and a verified certificate of being a sanitation worker are required. The beneficiary's family income should be less than ?2.50 lakh. Safai Karamcharis belonging to the Valmiki community, who work in government, non-government, or private institutions, will be eligible. Only beneficiaries who have not previously benefited from any housing scheme will be eligible to apply. Benefits under the scheme will be provided to one member of the family.
It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has stated on several occasions that Safai Karamcharis are not only pioneers of cleanliness but also the unseen guardians of the health and order of society. Therefore, raising their standard of living is the government's top priority. The government's focus is on providing assistance in building houses, as well as providing respect and social security to the families of Safai Karamcharis. Kuldeep Dhiman, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Scheduled Caste Commission, also held a meeting with district officials from the relevant departments to ensure the effective implementation of the scheme.

*Committed to timely delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries
District Welfare Officer, Una, Awas Pandit, stated that the department has simplified and made the application process transparent. Priority will be given to families affected by natural disasters and applicants with more than 40 percent disability. Eligible beneficiaries can apply at the office of the District or Tehsil Welfare Officer. Meanwhile, Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal said that, in accordance with the directives of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the administration is committed to delivering the benefits of the scheme to eligible families in a timely and transparent manner. It will be ensured that no eligible family is left out of the scheme.