A New Dawn for Himachal’s Forgotten Children: How Sukh-Ashray is Rewriting Destinies
In a small village in Padhar subdivision, 23-year-old Naveen Kumar carefully counts the floral garlands for his wedding day. What makes this ordinary scene extraordinary? The state government is acting as his “parent” for this milestone moment – providing ₹2 lakh for his marriage through the groundbreaking Sukh-Ashray Yojana.
More Than Just Money: A Lifeline for the Parentless
The scheme, personally championed by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is transforming lives across Himachal:
- Holistic care from infancy to age 27 (education, housing, vocational training)
- Marriage grants helping 24 beneficiaries in Mandi district alone
- Smart financial design: 70% immediate funds + 30% fixed deposit for future security
“When we lost our parents, we thought life had stopped. But the government became our family,” shares Naveen, his voice cracking. His story mirrors that of Poonam Sharma from Karsog, whose radiant smile at her recent wedding photoshoot says what words cannot.
Why This Scheme Stands Out
Unlike typical welfare programs, Sukh-Ashray focuses on emotional rehabilitation:
✅ Dignity: Ensuring weddings are celebrated with proper rituals
✅ Continuity: Five-year financial safety net post-marriage
✅ Belonging: Officially recognizing beneficiaries as “State’s Children”
Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan reveals the human impact behind the bureaucracy: “We’re not just disbursing funds – we’re rebuilding broken dreams. When Poonam showed us her wedding album, the entire office celebrated.”
The Ripple Effect
The program’s success is changing social narratives:
- Reduced stigma around orphaned adults marrying
- Young beneficiaries pursuing higher education with newfound confidence
- Local communities actively identifying eligible candidates
As Mandi’s autumn festivals approach, there’s palpable hope in the air. For Naveen, Poonam, and hundreds like them, the Sukh-Ashray Yojana isn’t just a policy – it’s the embrace of a caring state, proving that compassionate governance can indeed become “maa-baap ki duaa” for those who need it most.
Did You Know?
The scheme’s name cleverly combines:
- Sukh (Happiness) + Ashray (Shelter)
- Echoes the CM’s motto: “Every child is Himachal’s responsibility”
