Orphaned kids to get bona fide Himachali certificate

The state government has fulfilled another promise to orphaned children by enabling them to obtain a bona fide Himachali certificate. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has approved the decision for orphaned children, who have been residing in child care institutions in Himachal Pradesh for the past 15 years or more. The decision has been taken keeping in view the challenges these children face in availing of the benefits of welfare schemes and job opportunities due to the absence of such a provision in the existing guidelines.

Advertisement

The Chief Minister was apprised of the issue during his visit to the Bal Ashram at Tutikandi in Shimla on October 30, 2024, and he had immediately directed the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, to look into the matter. The state government reviewed the Deputy Commissioner’s report and approved the issuance of the certificate to orphaned children, ensuring that they get the benefits of various schemes of the state government.

Sukhu had visited the Tutikandi Bal Ashram immediately after taking oath as Chief Minister. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to legally recognise all 6,000 orphaned children as ‘Children of the State’, securing their education, care and financial independence through the Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana.

This scheme provides comprehensive financial and social security, including educational tours across India, monthly financial assistance of Rs 4,000 as pocket money, Rs 1,000 per month for children up to 14 years, Rs 2,500 per month for those aged 15 to 18 years and single women, Rs 2 lakh financial aid for start-ups and support for housing with three biswas and Rs 3 lakh as construction assistance.