Governance finds its highest meaning when it reaches those who have long remained unseen and unheard. Guided by this principle, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has placed inclusive and compassionate governance at the core of Himachal Pradesh’s development vision, with special emphasis on children and youth who have been deprived of parental care, social security and opportunity.
The Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana stands as a defining expression of this commitment. Through this landmark initiative, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to enact a dedicated law for orphans and vulnerable children, formally recognising them as “Children of the State”. By assuming the role of a lawful guardian, the government has transformed welfare into a rights-based framework that ensures dignity, security and long-term protection.
Under the scheme, nearly 6,000 orphan children have been legally adopted by the State Government. The initiative guarantees free education up to the age of 27, along with access to skill development, higher education, entrepreneurship support, housing assistance and exposure visits to various parts of the country, including travel and accommodation support. This comprehensive approach ensures that beneficiaries grow up with confidence, self-worth and equal opportunities to realise their potential.
To strengthen educational outcomes, the government has provided academic assistance of Rs. 1.53 crore to 371 students pursuing higher education, while 238 beneficiaries have received support for vocational training. Coaching assistance, professional training and skill development programmes have further equipped young beneficiaries to meet the demands of a competitive employment landscape.
The Sukh-Ashray Yojana also adopts a holistic life-cycle approach to social security. Over the past three years, beneficiaries have received nearly Rs. 28 crore as pocket money. Support has been extended through clothing allowances, festival grants, nutrition assistance and post-care support to facilitate a smooth transition into independent adulthood. Marriage grants amounting to Rs. 5.16 crore have been provided to 264 eligible beneficiaries, while post-care financial assistance has supported youth as they take their first steps towards self-reliance.
Encouraging entrepreneurship among vulnerable youth has been another key focus. Under the micro and small industry start-up grant, financial assistance of Rs. 65.36 lakh has been provided to 75 young beneficiaries, enabling them to establish enterprises and secure sustainable livelihoods.
Housing security has also been prioritised, with construction assistance provided to 423 beneficiaries and land allotted to eligible individuals. Complementing this effort, the Mukhyamantri Vidvah Evam Ekal Nari Aawas Yojana offers Rs. 3 lakh in housing assistance to economically weaker widows and single women. So far, Rs. 78 lakh has been released to 26 beneficiaries, reinforcing social security and restoring dignity.
Ensuring uninterrupted education for children from vulnerable families remains central to the government’s agenda. Under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, 19,479 children of widowed, destitute and specially-abled parents are receiving Rs. 1,000 per month to support their schooling, while 453 youth in the 18–27 age group are pursuing higher education with full state support.
The Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana today stands as a powerful symbol of humane and forward-looking governance. By legally adopting orphan children and institutionalising care through legislation, Himachal Pradesh has set a national example of compassion in public policy, reaffirming the State’s resolve that no child will be left behind and no future will be defined by neglect.
