53k availed benefits of welfare schemes in Chamba, says Himachal Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania

Chamba, August 12

The primary objective of the Himachal Pradesh government is to ensure social security, public welfare and balanced development and the government is making significant strides in this direction, said Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Assembly, on Monday while addressing officials and employees during the District Welfare Committee meeting.

Pathania highlighted that the government, through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, has launched numerous welfare schemes aimed at empowering Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities and persons with disabilities. These initiatives have benefited residents across various regions of Chamba district.

He said during the 2023-24 financial year, the government spent Rs 86.54 crore under various welfare schemes through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, benefiting 53,616 eligible individuals across different categories. Notably, Rs 84.31 crore was spent on the Social Security Pension Scheme, providing pensions to 52,885 beneficiaries.

The Housing Grant Scheme received Rs 1.24 crore, assisting 83 individuals with financial aid for home construction. Additionally, Rs 7 lakh was spent on the Inter-Caste Marriage Award Scheme, benefiting 15 individuals.

Other schemes include the Computer Application Scheme, which provided benefits to 234 eligible individuals at a cost of Rs 8.21 lakh and the Scholarship Scheme for Disabled Students, which allocated Rs 20.50 lakh to support 148 students with disabilities. The Prevention of Atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Scheme saw an expenditure of Rs 16.25 lakh. Under the National Family Benefit Scheme, Rs 39.40 lakh was spent, benefiting 197 eligible persons. — OC