Orphaned Gaddi siblings struggle to get govt assistance

Neha Jaryal (20) and her brother Vishal Jaryal (16), belonging to the Scheduled Tribe Gaddi community, have been struggling to get assistance under the state government’s ‘Sukh Ashraya Yojana’ for building a pucca house. Orphaned at a young age, the siblings from Bhounka village in Niyangal Gram Panchayat of Jawali subdivision, Kangra district, continue to live in a dilapidated kutcha room, spending sleepless nights under unsafe conditions.

Their father, Ramesh Jaryal, passed away a decade ago, while their mother, Babli Devi, died four years later. After their parents’ demise, Neha spent over a year at the Balika Anath Ashram in Garli, returning home two years ago upon turning 18. Her younger brother, Vishal, still resides at the government-run Vishal Titli Home for Children in Palampur.

Neha shared that their ancestral kutcha house suffered severe damage in May this year. Despite submitting an online application with the patwari’s assessment report, she has not received any government assistance for repairs. “After waiting in vain for help, I uploaded a video showing our living conditions. Moved by our plight, local residents came forward and contributed funds for temporary repairs,” she said.

Neha receives RS 4,000 per month under the ‘CM Sukh Ashraya Yojana’ but has appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, for a grant to build a pucca house under the same scheme.

Sandeep Singh, up-pradhan of Niyangal Panchayat, said the orphaned siblings deserve immediate support under the ‘CM Sukh Ashraya Yojana’, which provides Rs 3 lakh to eligible beneficiaries for house construction. “These children have been declared children of the state. The scheme ensures financial assistance, educational aid and housing benefits,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jawali SDM, Narinder Jariyal said after a spot inspection, the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Nagrota Surian, would be directed to take prompt action to ensure the siblings receive all benefits under government welfare schemes, including the construction of a pucca house.