A Fresh Start: How Seven Women in Himachal Are Rewriting Their Stories
In a powerful step towards empowerment, seven women in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district have been given a crucial foundation for a new beginning. Thanks to the state’s Widow Remarriage Assistance Scheme, they are rebuilding their lives with dignity, financial security, and hope.
More Than Just Financial Aid
The Himachal Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, has strengthened this initiative by increasing the grant provided to eligible couples to ₹2 lakh. This isn’t just a cash handout; it’s a tangible investment in a woman’s future, designed to provide economic stability and foster her social rehabilitation after remarriage.
The scheme has already touched many lives across the state, but the stories from Mandi district this year are a testament to its profound impact.
Paramjeet’s Story: Investing in Her Dreams
For Paramjeet Singh from Dhaban village, the grant was the key to securing her independence. After losing her first husband, she decided to remarry and learned about the scheme.
“This plan gave me an opportunity to start a new chapter,” she shared.
A determined and skilled woman, Paramjeet had already trained in computers, tailoring, and beautician work after completing her graduation. She received the ₹2 lakh assistance, and with foresight, deposited ₹1.2 lakh as a fixed deposit for long-term security. The remaining ₹80,000 in cash was used to purchase essential supplies for her beauty parlor.
“Today, I am living a self-sufficient life,” she said. “Initiatives like this are a blessing for women like me.”
Neelam’s Journey: Securing Her Daughters’ Future
Neelam Kumari, a resident of Sakroha village, found a similar lifeline. After remarrying following the death of her first husband, the scheme’s financial support allowed her to contribute meaningfully to her family.
“This help means I can better provide for the education and life of my three daughters,” Neelam expressed.
She emphasized that the scheme’s value goes beyond money. “It’s not just providing financial support; it’s building our confidence and helping society see our remarriage as a dignified, new beginning.”
These seven women from Mandi represent a broader wave of positive change. They are not just beneficiaries of a government plan; they are active architects of their own futures, proving that with the right support, it’s never too late to start again.
