· Safe environment and continuous support through ‘Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana’ are transforming lives of thousands of Children
There are times in life when a person needs more than financial assistance. A sense of belonging, security and compassionate guidance is equally important. While most children receive this support from their parents, those who lose parental care at an early age often face an uncertain future, with limited opportunities to pursue education and build a secure life.
Until recently, nearly 6,000 orphaned and vulnerable children in Himachal Pradesh were living under such circumstances. Deprived of parental support and adequate resources, many struggled to access quality education and opportunities for a dignified and self-reliant future.
Determined to change this reality, the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, took a landmark decision to become a guardian for these children. Soon after assuming office on 11 December, 2022, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable sections of society. His visit to the Balika Ashram at Tutikandi in Shimla, immediately after taking the oath of office, reflected this resolve and conveyed a strong message that the State would stand by orphaned children as a caring guardian.
This vision took shape with the launch of the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana on 28 February, 2023. Under the scheme, nearly 6,000 orphaned and vulnerable children up to the age of 27 have been adopted as ‘Children of the State’, with the state government assuming responsibility for their education, care, skill development and overall well-being.
More than a welfare initiative, the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana has become a symbol of hope, security and dignity. By providing sustained support and equal opportunities, the scheme is empowering thousands of children to pursue their aspirations with confidence and build a brighter, self-reliant future.
The Government bears the entire cost of education for every child adopted under the ‘Children of the State’ initiative. Reflecting the care and concern that parents extend to their children, the government also provides a monthly pocket allowance of Rs. 4,000 to support their personal needs and aspirations. Children up to the age of 14 residing in child care institutions receive Rs. 1,000 per month directly into their bank accounts, while those between 15 and 18 years of age receive Rs. 2,500 per month.
The scheme also places strong emphasis on helping beneficiaries become self-reliant as financial assistance of up to Rs. 2 lakh is provided for establishing a start-up. Students pursuing higher education, who are not provided hostel accommodation, receive a monthly house rent allowance of Rs. 3,000. To help them build secure futures, financial assistance of Rs. 3 lakh is available for setting up a home, and beneficiaries without land are provided land by the state government for house construction.
In addition, beneficiaries receive a festival allowance of Rs. 500, a clothing grant of Rs. 10,000, and a marriage grant of Rs. 2 lakh. To promote their holistic development, the government offers free career counselling and coaching for competitive examinations and vocational courses. Educational exposure visits to different parts of the country are also organized, enabling them to broaden their horizons and gain valuable experiences, with all expenses borne by the State government.
To ensure the effective implementation of the scheme, approximately Rs. 85.88 crore was spent on beneficiaries between 2023 and September 2025.
The state government is also constructing the Chief Minister Adarsh Gram Sukh-Aashray Complex at Luthan of Kangra district at an estimated cost of Rs. 92.38 crore. This modern residential facility will provide a safe, secure and well-equipped environment for approximately 400 dependents.
The scheme has also enabled orphaned children to gain admission to convent and other reputed educational institutions. Under this initiative, three girls from the Juvenile Home have been admitted to Tara Hall School, Shimla, five children to Dayanand Public School, Shimla, four to Pinegrove School, Solan and two children to DAV School, Sundernagar in Mandi district. The state government bears the entire cost of their education.
The scheme has addressed several long-standing challenges that had hindered the future prospects of orphaned children. The government has granted the right to obtain Bonafide Himachali Certificates to orphaned children who have been residing in various child care institutions in Himachal Pradesh for the past 15 years. Earlier, there was no provision enabling such children to obtain these certificates, preventing them from accessing numerous welfare schemes, educational opportunities and employment benefits available to permanent residents of the State. This landmark decision has not only given them a legal identity and equal rights but has also opened new avenues for their future.
To further strengthen the long-term future of orphaned children, the state government has established the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Fund with an initial government contribution of Rs. 101 crore. Citizens, social organizations, industrial establishments and corporate entities are also voluntarily contributing to this fund. The resources generated are being utilized to support higher education, skill development and the overall development of orphaned children.
The Sukh-Aashray Fund is not merely a source of financial assistance. It represents the collective compassion of society and the government, and reflects a shared commitment that no child in Himachal Pradesh should be deprived of opportunities or forced to abandon their dreams because of circumstances beyond their control.
