Una, September 27:- Every monsoon, Abhishek Kumar of Bahdala in Una district used to become increasingly worried. The condition of the roof and walls of his kutcha house would raise the question of how much trouble the rains would bring that year. He wished to build a pucca house, but it was not possible with the limited income he earned through daily-wage labour. The concern would deepen as soon as the monsoon arrived. But this time, Abhishek spent the rainy season not in worry, but in peace. The assistance of Rs. 3 lakh received under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, launched on the initiative of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, provided significant help in fulfilling his dream of a pucca house. With his savings and the assistance received under the scheme, 24-year-old Abhishek has fulfilled his dream of owning a pucca house.
After his father died in 2006, the responsibility of the family fell on Abhishek. His father used to support the family by working as a daily-wage labourer. His mother also passed away in 2016. After losing both his parents, Abhishek had to shoulder the responsibility of managing his life at a young age. He worked as a labourer and simultaneously completed his education.
Living in a kutcha house, he continued to face difficulties during the monsoon. He felt the need to build a new pucca house, but arranging money for it amid everyday expenses was not easy. It was during this period that Abhishek came to know about the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana.
He contacted the local Anganwadi worker. Thereafter, he was connected with the District Child Protection Officer’s office, Una. After completing the required process, he received Rs. 3 lakh under the scheme for house construction in four instalments. Using this assistance along with his savings, Abhishek has constructed a new pucca house on the same land.
Under the Sukh-Aashray Yojana, Abhishek is also receiving financial assistance of Rs. 4,000 every month for livelihood. He says that life had been difficult to manage after the death of his parents. The assistance received from the government helped him build a house, while the monthly financial assistance is also providing support in meeting his day-to-day needs.
Abhishek expresses his gratitude to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the state government.
It is noteworthy that the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana was launched on February 28, 2023, on the initiative of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Under the scheme, assistance has been provided for the education, care, housing and other essential needs of children and youth who have lost parental care.
Himachal Pradesh has given orphaned children the legal status of ‘Children of the State’. Eligible children and youth are being provided assistance up to the age of 27 years. Along with education, social security, marriage assistance and housing, eligible youth are also entitled to assistance of up to Rs. 2 lakh for establishing self-employment.
District Programme Officer (ICDS), Una, Harish Mishra said that under the scheme, eligible children and youth are being provided assistance for education, social security, marriage assistance, house construction and various other needs.
Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal said that as per the directions of Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the district administration is working to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach eligible children and youth in a time-bound manner. He said that the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana is providing support to needy children and youth in education, housing and other essential needs of life.
