Una, November 22: The Chief Minister's Sukh Ashray Yojana in Una district has brought new light to the lives of hundreds of parentless and helpless children. Over the past two years, assistance worth more than ?36.3 million has been released under the scheme's various provisions, providing destitute children with security, dignity, and a foundation for a better future.
**Provided security, education, and self-reliance**
District Program Officer (ICDS) Narendra Kumar explains that the scheme has yielded concrete results in all three areas: security, education, and self-reliance for children. Under the social security scheme, ?22.756 million was provided to 294 children, bringing basic stability to the lives of children who previously lacked any support.
?26,44,814 was provided to 60 students for higher education, and ?7,99,471 was provided to 35 youth for vocational training. ?1,48,000 was provided to two students for coaching assistance, ?98,000 to one youth for skill development, and ?13,20,000 to nine youth for starting micro-enterprises.
Narendra Kumar says that in line with the vision of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the department's efforts are not only to protect children but also to empower them to be self-reliant so that they are not deprived of any opportunity in life.
**Extensive support from social assistance**
The District Program Officer explains that under the social components of the scheme, ?50 lakh was provided to 25 beneficiaries as marriage grants and ?34 lakh to 23 families for housing construction. Additionally, 28 beneficiaries were provided with ?1,84,988 under clothing allowance, festival allowance, and after-care services, ensuring the basic needs of children and youth are met with dignity.
**Sukkhu Government Playing the Role of a Real Guardian**
It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has always emphasized that the state government will play the role of mother and father for children whose parents have abandoned them or who have no one to care for them. The Chief Minister says that the government is not only responsible for their upkeep, but is also providing them with all the basic amenities a family normally provides, such as education, health, food, clothing, coaching, and housing.
Under the Chief Minister's Sukh Ashray Yojana, each child is provided with ?4,000 monthly pocket money, clothing allowance, and festival allowance. Special efforts are also being made to ensure that deserving children are enrolled in reputable educational institutions. In addition, eligible beneficiaries are being given the opportunity to build their own house with 3 bighas of land and assistance of up to ?3 lakh.
Himachal Pradesh is the only state in the country that has granted orphaned children the legal status of "Children of the State," and the government is responsible for their complete care until they reach the age of 27.
**Scheme Expanded**
The Chief Minister recently expanded the scope of the scheme to include the transgender community, abandoned or surrendered children, and single women. A monthly social security amount of ?2,500 has been provided for single women, providing them with permanent financial support.
**Administration Committed to Providing the Benefits of the Scheme to Every Eligible Child**
Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal said that implementing Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's vision at the grassroots level is a priority for the district administration. He stated that the administration is prioritizing transparency, prompt assistance, and departmental coordination to ensure that no eligible child is deprived of the scheme.