On 16th February 2023, the 2nd Meeting of the Himachal Pradesh cabinet chaired by Chief Minister(CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved the guidelines for ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana’ that covers Orphans, specially abled children, destitute women and senior citizens.
- The CM also noted that the orphan children, referred to as ‘Children of the State’, will be adopted by the government.
- In January 2023, CM launched the Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana(as CM’s Sukhashray Sahayata Kosh) with a total outlay of Rs 101 crore for orphans.
Note:
The HP Cabinet also recommended to the Governor to convene the Budget session of the Vidhan Sabha from 14th March to 6th April, 2023. It would have 18 sittings.
Features of the Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana:
i.The cabinet also decided that to offer better facilities for the inmates, the existing shelter homes, orphanages, old-age homes, etc., will be refurbished under the Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana.
- The mordern amenities such as common rooms, smart classes and coaching rooms, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a music room, and attached washrooms will be made available in the shelters.
ii.Under the scheme, in a phased manner, integrated complexes with all basic amenities will be built at Jawalamukhi in Kangra district and Sundernagar in Mandi district to support the destitute women and senior citizens and orphans.
iii.Adequate coaching along with reference books and study materials will be provided to the children in the orphanages to ensure quality education.
iv.Under the scheme, selected eminent persons from society will serve as mentors and provide counselling to such children.
v.The cabinet also decided that the orphan children attaining the age of 18 years will be provided board and lodging in after-care institutions till they attain the age of 27.
Financial assistance:
i.For orphans above 18 years of age, the government will provide RS 1 lakh per person per year for the coaching hostel and tuition fee and a stipend of Rs 4000 per resident per month during the coaching period.
ii.One-time financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh per person will be provided to eligible inmates after completing 18 years of age and wishing to start or invest in startups.
iii.Under this scheme, the inmates of these facilities will be offered Rs 2 lakhs or the actual expenditure (whichever is less) for organising their marriage.
iv.A recurring deposit account will be opened for the inmates(children and destitute women) and financial assistance of Rs 1000 per child (0-14 years) per month, Rs 2500 per child(15-18 years) per month will be provided. Similar assistance applies to single women.
v.3 biswas(1 biwas = 1350 square feet) of land in rural areas, as well as the assistance of Rs 3 lakh will be provided to landless orphans after he/she attains the age of 27 years, for the construction of their house.
vi.Rs 10000 will be deposited as apparel allowance for the residents of the orphanages, old age homes and Nari Sewa Sadans.
About Himachal Pradesh:
Chief Minister– Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Governor– Shiv Pratap Shukla
Wildlife Sanctuary– Chandra Tal Wildlife Sanctuary; Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary
