A Brighter Future: How a Government Scheme is Helping Mandi’s Students Chase Their Dreams
In the heart of Mandi, a government initiative is doing more than just distributing funds—it’s transforming lives and turning aspirations into reality. The Indira Gandhi Sukh Education Scheme is providing a crucial lifeline for students who dream of higher education but face financial hurdles.
This year alone, 125 students in the Mandi district have received a grant totaling ₹24.53 lakhs to continue their studies. These young adults, aged 18 to 27, are now pursuing professional courses like BTech, MTech, MBBS, and various ITI trades, thanks to this supportive push.
Stories of Hope and Gratitude
Behind the numbers are powerful stories of resilience:
· Tushar from Pandoh, training to be a Turner in ITI, lost his father. With his mother working as a tailor and his brother as a painter, the family struggled to afford his education. “This scheme became my assistant,” Tushar shares. “The state government is now bearing my education costs, and I am deeply grateful to Chief Minister Sukhvindra Singh Sukhu for this initiative. It has fulfilled the dreams of needy youth like me.”
· Students like Amrita from Mandi, Roshni Devi from Chatrot, and Shubham from Baggi have also benefited. They have completed courses in beautician work, sewing, and IT system maintenance. They extended their thanks to the government for launching a scheme that uplifts orphans and children from economically challenging backgrounds.
What is the Indira Gandhi Sukh Education Scheme?
Launched in September 2024, this compassionate scheme is designed to provide financial assistance for higher education to those who need it most. Its primary goal is to support:
· Widows
· Economically vulnerable and divorced women
· Persons with disabilities (over 70% disability)
· Single women
The scheme helps cover tuition fees and other educational expenses, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a student’s potential.
How to Apply
Eligible individuals can apply through the Department of Women and Child Development. Required documents typically include:
· Proof of being a Himachali resident
· Annual income certificate (less than ₹1 lakh)
· Aadhaar card
· Family details
· A report from the Panchayat Pradhan
· For widows: a husband’s death certificate
By opening new paths to education, the Indira Gandhi Sukh Education Scheme is not just funding degrees—it’s building a foundation for a better, brighter future for the youth of Himachal Pradesh.
