The state government has decided to allocate 25 per cent of the revenue generated from its ambitious 100 Green Panchayat initiative towards the welfare and upliftment of orphans and widows across Himachal.(Under the programme, ground-mounted solar power projects of 500 KW capacity are being established in 100 gram panchayats. To strengthen the social welfare component of the initiative, the government has revised the revenue-sharing model for the projects.
As per the new formula, 20 per cent of the revenue generated from the solar plants will be allocated to the state government, while another 20 per cent will be earmarked for the operation and maintenance of the projects through HIMURJA. Ten per cent will go directly to HIMURJA, 25 per cent will be provided to the gram panchayat concerned for development activities and the remaining 25 per cent will be transferred to the Social Justice and Empowerment Department for providing financial assistance to orphans and widows in the respective panchayats.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the initiative would not only promote environmental conservation through renewable energy generation but also support vulnerable sections of society, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.
“The state government has launched numerous schemes for the upliftment of vulnerable sections of society. These initiatives have ensured equal opportunities for underprivileged children to compete and progress alongside others,” he said.
The CM said the enhanced financial assistance for orphans and widows would improve their economic condition and create greater opportunities for employment and self-employment, enabling them to lead more secure and prosperous lives.
He added that the Congress government had accorded top priority to the welfare of underprivileged and marginalised sections and launched several initiatives aimed at their social and economic empowerment.
