Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today celebrated the festival of Diwali with children at Balika Ashram Tutikandi in Shimla and distributed sweets, fruits and crackers to them.
While wishing Diwali, the Chief Minister said that the present state government has enacted a law and granted the status of ‘Children of the State’ to orphan children. He said that so far eligibility certificates have been issued to 4000 orphan children in the state, offering various benefits such as care until the age of 27, educational support, financial aid for housing, clothing, festival allowances, and more. The government is also focusing on enrolling these children in reputable schools and ensuring their holistic well-being. Along with this, they are also being provided 3 Biswa land and Rs 2 lakh financial assistance to construct their own house.
The Chief Minister said “you are not without parents. The state government is your mother and father. Therefore, as the head of the state, I have come to celebrate Diwali with you. May the festival of Diwali bring happiness in your life and the state government is also working with the same approach. Face the challenges in life boldly because only challenges create confidence and give direction to life.”
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu added that in the coming times, the state government is also going to formulate a scheme for single women and deaf and dumb children.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil said that after taking oath as the Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu first came to Girls Ashram Tutikandi, which was a historical step. After this, he introduced the Mukhyamantri Sukhashraya Yojana. He said that the recent disaster has caused a lot of damage in Himachal Pradesh, which will take time to compensate. Despite this, the state government is working with commitment for public welfare. The state government is going to build two state of the art ashrams for orphan children in Jwalamukhi and Sundernagar, the foundation stone of which will be laid soon. He also wished everyone a happy Diwali.
Children presented a cultural program on this occasion.
MLA Harish Janartha, Principal Advisor to Chief Minister (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Mayor Shimla Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, OSD Ritesh Kaprate, Director Women and Child Development Department Rupali Thakur and other dignitaries were present on the occasion amongst others.
