A total of 719 children up to the age of 27 years have received financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana in Kangra district till May this year. The scheme, launched by the Himachal Pradesh Government for orphaned and destitute children, provides support for education, housing and other essential needs.
Ashok Sharma, District Programme Officer (Women and Child Development), said nearly Rs 57 lakh had been disbursed as social security assistance to eligible beneficiaries in the district during the current financial year up to May. In addition, around 200 children residing at Tong-Len Charitable Trust received Rs 6.25 lakh under the scheme’s social security component. These children are also being provided a monthly festival allowance of Rs 500.
The Sukh Ashray Yojana supports children who have lost their parents or are without adequate family care. Eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance for education, hostel accommodation, coaching and other developmental needs until the age of 27 years.
Sharma said beneficiaries above 18 years of age can avail themselves of assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh annually for hostel facilities and coaching. Students are also entitled to a monthly pocket allowance of Rs 4,000. The scheme further provides financial support for higher education, coaching for competitive examinations and self-employment initiatives.
Housing assistance has emerged as one of the key components of the scheme. Sharma said 36 applications for house construction assistance were received in Kangra district this year. Financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh per beneficiary was approved, and the first instalment of Rs 1 lakh was released to each beneficiary. Additionally, two beneficiaries recognised as “Children of State” were allotted land for house construction.
Beneficiaries say the housing support has significantly improved their living conditions. Deeksha from Dari village near Dharamsala said the assistance enabled her family to repair their old house and build additional rooms. Amit Kumar from Passu village said he had started constructing four rooms after receiving the first instalment under the scheme. Jayantika of Rajol village said the financial support helped her and her brother build a house of their own.
Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said the scheme aims to ensure that children without parental support have access to education, housing and social security. He added that all eligible beneficiaries were being issued “Children of State” certificates, enabling them to avail themselves of various benefits under the programme.
“Efforts are being made to identify all eligible beneficiaries in the district so that they can get assistance and support available under the scheme,” he said.
