Govt’s welfare schemes empowering poor, women

The Himachal Pradesh government has made significant strides in promoting the welfare of different sections of society, with a particular focus on empowering women and uplifting vulnerable groups. The policies are helping transform lives with the financial help provided by these schemes aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for women and other marginalised communities.

In Sirmaur district, the government’s women-centric schemes have been successfully executed, benefiting thousands. One of the flagship programs, the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, has supported 4,128 eligible women in the district. Under this initiative, women above 18 years of age receive Rs 1,500 per month. To date, 75,425 applications have been received under this scheme, of which 4,128 have been approved.

Beneficiaries like Ankita from Jamta expressed gratitude, sharing how the scheme has reduced her financial dependence on her family. Similarly, Alisha from Nahan commended the government’s commitment to providing financial assistance to women aged 18 to 60 years. Another beneficiary, Nisha from Jamta, thanked the government for empowering women across the district through this scheme.

The government has also ensured the effective implementation of the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana, aimed at providing financial assistance for the marriage of girls from economically weaker sections. In Sirmaur district, Rs 90.27 lakh was sanctioned last year for the marriage of 170 girls, and Rs 93 lakh has been allocated for the current fiscal year, benefiting 61 individuals with Rs. 31.11 lakh disbursed so far.

Rupali from Nahan shared how her marriage on July 11 this year, was made possible with Rs 50,000 received under the scheme. Her family, consisting of her mother and sister Shivani, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support.

Additionally, the Beti Hai Anmol Yojana has provided crucial financial aid to guardians of destitute women or orphaned children, ensuring their upbringing until they turn 18. In the last fiscal year, Rs. 76 lakh was allocated under this scheme in Sirmaur district.

To promote economic self-reliance among rural women, the government has established Him Eera sales centers under the Himachal Pradesh Rural Livelihood Mission. These centers ensure fair prices for products made by self-help groups, enhancing their livelihoods.

The Durga Self-Help Group from Trilokpur, which operates a Him Eera sales center near the Trilokpur temple, expressed appreciation for the government’s support in strengthening rural women’s economic prospects.