Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently announced the launch of multiple welfare initiatives, including the ‘Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar’ and ‘Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp Yojana’ schemes. The announcements were made during the state-level Independence Day celebrations held in Barsar, Hamirpur.

During the event, CM Sukhu hoisted the National Flag and reviewed a parade comprising various contingents, including state police, India Reserve Battalions, and Home Guards. This occasion marked a significant moment in the state’s commitment to social welfare and development.

Details of the Schemes

The ‘Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar’ scheme aims to enhance the economic conditions of 1.80 lakh families over the next two years. These families were identified through an extensive eight-phase survey, which enabled the state government to tailor welfare programmes according to each family’s specific requirements, as per the Chief Minister’s directives to the Deputy Commissioners.

The ‘Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp Yojana’ will be initiated on a pilot basis across 21 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) blocks in the state. Its primary focus is to bolster nutritional support for mothers, women, and children. The scheme is expected to improve existing nutritional assistance by providing more hygienic and nutrient-rich food products, including enhanced hot meals for children aged three to six years.

CM Sukhu also announced an additional payment of Rs 20,000 towards salary arrears for Class-IV employees, which is expected to be processed within this month. In addition, pensioners in various categories will receive retroactive pension payments, and the government plans to invest Rs 281 crore in these financial adjustments.

Investment in Education and Employment

The Chief Minister declared that 100 new Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools would open in the forthcoming academic session. Furthermore, it was announced that doctors scheduled to retire between August 2026 and March 31, 2027, would extend their service until the latter date.

In an effort to support the workforce, CM Sukhu raised the monthly incentive for about 9,000 ASHA workers from Rs 5,800 to Rs 6,800 and introduced new pay scales for National Health Mission (NHM) employees after seven years of service, effective from April 1, 2026. The revised remuneration for various healthcare roles will shortly take effect.

Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s plan to allocate Rs 150 crore towards enhancing milk processing infrastructure across various districts. A state-of-the-art milk processing plant, with a capacity of 1.5 lakh litres per day, is also being established at Daghwar in Kangra district, with an investment of around Rs 250 crore.

Broader Objectives and Future Plans

During his address, CM Sukhu emphasised the aim of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant financially and mentioned ongoing disputes concerning water rights and other liabilities with the central government. Initiatives to uplift the rural economy and the introduction of a horticulture policy, projected to create substantial job opportunities, were also discussed.

The government will soon launch a sports initiative, ‘Khelo Himachal, Chitta-Mukt Abhiyan’, to encourage youth participation in sports. Moreover, healthcare advancements such as robotic surgery facilities are being established within government medical colleges and hospitals, enhancing access to specialised medical services.

In terms of educational exposure, students from government schools have been given opportunities to study abroad, marking a significant step in expanding educational horizons. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to employee welfare and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for National Pension System employees, all aimed at improving the overall welfare of the state’s populace.

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