CM Sukh-Ashray Yojana: A Lifeline for Orphans and Helpless Children
The Chief Minister Sukh-Ashray Yojana is transforming lives by giving orphans and helpless children a renewed sense of security and belonging. This flagship scheme embodies the sentiment of “government as mother, government as father,” ensuring a brighter future for children in need.
One of the beneficiaries, Kartik, a resident of Ghatta village in Balh Tehsil, has found new hope through this initiative. After losing his parents at a young age—his father, a bus driver, passed away when he was four, and his mother when he was 11—Kartik faced a challenging childhood. Raised by his grandparents in Rajgarh, he pursued his education, completing a non-medical degree from Mandi College. Support from individuals like Dr. Vikas Sharma of IGMC Shimla also played a crucial role in shaping his journey.
Last year, Kartik became aware of the Sukh-Ashray Yojana, and by October 2023, he received an eligibility certificate under the scheme. Since December, he has been receiving a monthly allowance of ₹4,000 for pocket expenses. Recently, the government allocated him two biswa of land in Sundernagar for building a house. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu personally handed Kartik the land certificate during a visit to Pandoh.
Expressing gratitude, Kartik said, “The Sukh-Ashray Yojana is a milestone in shaping the future of orphans and helpless children. It has not only given us a chance to connect with society but also the hope of a safe and secure future.”
Empowering Lives Across Mandi District
The impact of the Sukh-Ashray Yojana extends across Mandi district, where 783 eligible beneficiaries have received a total of ₹1,68,52,700 for pocket expenses. Among them, 393 orphans and helpless children, along with eligible adults up to 27 years of age, were granted ₹1,27,48,000 as direct assistance. Additionally, 390 residents of child care homes were provided with ₹41,04,700 under social security provisions.
Other achievements under the scheme include:
₹13,07,587 provided to 23 children for higher education, professional training, and self-employment.
Festival allowances totaling ₹10,28,500 distributed among child care ashram residents, with ₹3,50,000 granted to child ashrams for celebrations.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan affirmed the district’s commitment to the scheme, stating that necessary guidelines have been issued to ensure eligible beneficiaries receive timely support, including land for home construction.
The Chief Minister’s Sukh-Ashray Yojana is proving to be a beacon of hope, connecting thousands of children like Kartik with the mainstream of society and paving the way for a brighter, self-reliant future.
