Spiti boy becomes first eligible beneficiary of education scheme

In a significant step under the Chief Minister’s Sukh Shiksha Scheme, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar has issued a certificate to the first eligible beneficiary from Lahaul-Spiti district. The certificate was presented to Rigzin Angmo, the widow of Tenzin Kunzhang, a resident of Ropsang village in Sissu panchayat on Sunday.

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The certificate was awarded based on the beneficiary’s application. Tenzin, currently studying in the eighth grade at Kendriya Vidyalaya Kelong, is considered a semi-orphan, as his father has passed away. The presentation ceremony was attended by departmental officials who supported the initiative.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar stated that a team of the concerned department officials was actively raising awareness through camps across the district. He emphasised that under the Sukh Shiksha Scheme, the state government will cover the educational expenses of eligible children. Beneficiaries will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 until they turn 18, in addition to free education. Furthermore, children from eligible families will continue to receive free education until the age of 27.

The Deputy Commissioner noted that children belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes will be provided with course education in line with market demand. Applications for the scheme can be submitted at the office of the Women and Child Development Project Officer.

Application process

Beneficiaries can apply for the Chief Minister’s Sukh Shiksha Scheme through a prescribed application form. The scheme aims to provide free education to children of widowed women across the state. It is also available to children of destitute or divorced women and those whose parents are disabled.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Sukh Shiksha Scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria, including a total family income of less than Rs 1 lakh per annum. Required documents include a permanent residence certificate, Aadhaar card, income certificate, death certificate of the husband, divorce certificate, bank documents, caste certificate, disability certificate (if applicable), passport-sized photographs, and a ration card. Upon receipt, applications will be verified, and those found eligible will be granted the benefits of the scheme.