Himachal Govt to allocate Rs 53 cr for ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana'

Shimla, August 26

The state government will allocate Rs 53.21 crore annually to fund the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana,’ a new initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to widows, destitute women, divorced women and disabled parents to support the education and well-being of their children.

The scheme is aimed at providing support two specific age groups. For children under the age of 18, eligible women and disabled parents will get a monthly grant of Rs 1,000 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.

“The widowed and abandoned women face problems 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,” said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The scheme will also address 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.

“It is important to foster a supportive environment for vulnerable families, ensuring that children receive education and care they need to lead dignified lives,” the Chief Minister said.