Last Update: January 02, 2023, 11:51 am IST
For around 6,000 orphan children in Himachal Pradesh, the state government on Sunday announced setting up of a Rs 101 crore fund. (Representational image)
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that all the 40 Congress MLAs have decided to give one lakh rupees each from their first salary to this fund.
In a New Year gift to around 6,000 orphan children in Himachal Pradesh, the state government on Sunday announced setting up of Rs 101 crore Chief Minister Sukhashraya Sahayata Kosh for their higher education and daily needs.
Announcing this, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that all the 40 Congress MLAs have decided to give one lakh rupees each from their first salary to this fund and more amount will be collected from industries under Corporate Social Responsibility. “We will request BJP MLAs and other MLAs also to come forward for this noble cause.” Sukhu told reporters here that the state government would be the parent of single women living in orphanages or relatives or those who have been adopted as well as provide funds for their education and daily needs.
He said that they will be provided pocket money of Rs 4,000 per month so that they can meet their needs and lead a life like other children. Income certificate will not be required under this scheme and only one application will suffice, he said, adding that the assistance will be given directly into the bank account of the beneficiary by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department. He said that the amount would also be given for the marriage of unmarried women.
He said that the state government would also provide a festive grant of Rs 500 to inmates of all child care institutions, old age homes, Nari Seva Sadans, Shakti Sadans and special homes. Sukhu said, “Ye karuna nahi, adhikar hai (It is not compassion but the right of these children).”
He said that the state government would bear the cost of skill development education, higher education and vocational training of such children.
Recalling an incident from his school and college days, Sukhu told that he had a friend who was an orphan and he used to take him home on festivals. “Once I took my friend along and he said to me, ‘You are taking me along but where I live there are 40 others like me’. That day I thought that if I ever reach a position of power I should do something for the orphans.’
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)