Shimla, July 14: The Himachal Pradesh government’s Chief Minister Sukhashray Yojana has enabled another “Child of the State” to achieve financial independence, with an orphaned youth from Shimla launching his own mobile repair business with startup assistance under the scheme.
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap on Tuesday inaugurated “The First Inspection”, a mobile repair shop started by Akash, a resident of Pujarli in Mehli Gram Panchayat, Shimla. The venture has been established with startup funding provided under the Sukhashray Scheme.
Congratulating Akash, the Deputy Commissioner said the scheme is transforming the lives of “Children of the State” by helping them pursue education, skill development and self-employment opportunities. He described Akash as a role model for other beneficiaries and said determination and hard work can help overcome even the toughest challenges.
Kashyap said eight “Children of the State” in Shimla district have already become self-employed through startup assistance under the scheme, reflecting the state government’s commitment to empowering vulnerable youth.
Tragedy to Triumph
Akash lost his father, Chander Kumar Sharma, in December 2020. Barely a year later, in December 2021, his mother, Neetu Sharma, also passed away, leaving him and his brother Prakash to face severe hardships.
His fortunes changed after the launch of the Chief Minister Sukhashray Yojana in 2023. Recognised as a “Child of the State”, Akash began receiving a monthly financial assistance of ₹4,000 and became eligible for several other benefits under the scheme.
The Social Justice and Empowerment Department funded his ₹23,000 PGDCA course, following which he underwent mobile repair training in Chandigarh in March 2026 with financial support from the scheme.
After completing the training, Akash established his mobile repair shop in Pujarli. So far, he has received ₹1.40 lakh as startup assistance, while an application for the final instalment of ₹60,000 is under process.
Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Shimla Indu Sharma and local residents were also present during the inauguration.
About the Sukhashray Scheme
Launched by the Himachal Pradesh government in 2023, the Chief Minister Sukhashray Yojana aims to provide comprehensive support to orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children recognised as “Children of the State”. The scheme offers monthly financial assistance, educational support, hostel and accommodation assistance, skill development, startup funding, housing assistance and marriage support, with provisions to help beneficiaries become self-reliant up to the age of 27.
