The State Government has strengthened its social welfare framework under the ‘Vayastha Parivartan’ initiative by expanding the scope of the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna. The revised provisions now extend financial assistance to daughters of widows pursuing higher education both within and outside the State.
Originally aimed at providing comprehensive support in education, health, and nutrition to children of widows, destitute or divorced women, and disabled parents, the scheme will now benefit eligible daughters up to 27 years of age seeking higher studies.
Under the new guidelines, beneficiaries enrolled in professional courses at government institutions outside the State will receive Rs 3,000 per month for up to 10 months to meet rent or paying guest accommodation expenses, where hostel facilities are not available.
The expanded coverage includes professional streams such as Engineering and Technology, Business and Management, Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Law, Computer Applications and IT certifications, Education and Humanities, courses under the State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT), the Craftsmen Training Scheme, and programmes offered by the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology.
Currently, the scheme provides monthly financial aid to eligible children up to 18 years of age, along with coverage of tuition fees, hostel charges, and related academic expenses for students studying in government institutions within the State. At present, 504 girls aged between 18 and 27 are availing benefits under the scheme, and around 20 percent are expected to opt for professional courses under the expanded provisions. To meet the anticipated rise in demand, an additional annual allocation of approximately Rs 1 crore will be set aside.
For the ongoing financial year, Rs 31.01 crore has been allocated under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna, of which Rs 22.96 crore had been utilized as of February 3, 2026.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable sections of society, stating that the core objective of the scheme is to promote self-reliance by ensuring sustained financial and institutional support. He emphasized that the initiative seeks to guarantee equitable access to education for socioeconomically disadvantaged children, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations without financial hardship.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
