The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced a new initiative, the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana,’ aimed at providing financial assistance to widows, destitute women, divorced women and disabled parents to support the education and well-being of their children. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The state will allocate Rs. 53.21 crores annually to fund this initiative.”
The scheme is aimed to support two specific age groups. For children under the age of 18, eligible women and disabled parents will get a monthly grant of Rs. 1000 to cover their educational, health, and nutritional expenses. Additionally, children who secure admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or vocational courses will receive financial aid from the government to bear tuition and hostel costs.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that women who are widowed, deserted, or abandoned often face arduous challenges in supporting their children, largely due to a lack of educational and financial resources. “These women are particularly vulnerable, lacking the moral and financial support they need to sustain themselves and ensure their children’s education,” he said. He added that the scheme aims to prevent issues such as child abuse, trafficking, teenage marriages, and drug abuse by strengthening child protection at the family level.
The Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana also addresses the needs of children with disabled parents, recognizing the strong link between disability, unemployment, and poverty. All eligible women, children, and individuals with a family income not exceeding Rs. 1 lakh per annum are covered under the scheme. Applications can be submitted to the local Child Development Project Officer.
The Chief Minister said “It is important to foster a supportive environment for vulnerable families, ensuring that children receive the education and care they need to lead dignified lives.” From day one, the current state government has prioritized giving a voice to the underprivileged sections and has launched numerous initiatives to support them. “There are some sections of society who are unable to come to us with their grievances and hardships, but as a sensitive government, we are committed to the well-being of every individual,” stated the Chief Minister.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
