Govt brings abandoned kids under scheme for orphans

The state government has expanded the scope of the Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana to bring abandoned and surrendered children under it. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the scheme, which currently benefits around 6,000 orphans in the state, would now extend support to more children facing challenging circumstances. He added that abandoned children – deserted by biological parents, adoptive parents or guardians – and those surrendered by parents or guardians due to physical, emotional or social factors beyond their control would be brought under the ambit of the scheme.

Sukhu said that the child welfare committees in the districts would issue certificates for eligible children under the expanded Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana. “After the final approval, these children will receive various benefits, including a monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 until the age of 14 and Rs 2,500 until the age of 18. Additionally, they will be entitled for Rs 4,000 as pocket money per month until the age of 27,” he added. The state government would also bear the full cost of their higher education until the age of 27 and provide Rs 3,000 per month for postgraduation expenses if a hostel was not available.

The Chief Minister said that the state government would support these children by offering Rs 2 lakh to establish start-ups, helping them secure their livelihood. Besides, they would receive land and a financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh for the construction of houses and Rs 2 lakh as marriage assistance. “Himachal Pradesh has become the first state to enact a legislation aimed at ensuring comprehensive care and support for orphaned children,” he added.

Under the scheme, the state government owns the full responsibility for the welfare, upbringing and education of orphaned children. “It is now the duty of the state to provide these children with necessary resources and opportunities to lead a dignified and fulfilling life,” said the Chief Minister.

Rs 4,000 monthly pocket money till 27 yrs

The abandoned children will receive a monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 until the age of 14 and Rs 2,500 until the age of 18

They will be entitled for Rs 4,000 as pocket money per month until the age of 27

The state government will bear the full cost of their higher education until the age of 27 and provide Rs 3,000 per month for postgraduation expenses if a hostel is not available

The state government will support these children by offering Rs 2 lakh to establish start-ups

They will also get land and assistance of Rs 3 lakh for the construction of houses and Rs 2 lakh as marriage assistance