The Himachal Pradesh government has broadened the scope of the ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna’ to provide financial support specifically to the daughters of widows seeking higher education, both within the state and elsewhere. This initiative, announced on February 20, aims to enhance educational opportunities by extending assistance to those eligible up to the age of 27. It seeks to support girls from families affected by widowhood, destitution, divorce, or disability.

Financial Assistance Provisions

The revised scheme offers financial aid of Rs 3,000 per month for a maximum of ten months for beneficiaries enrolled in professional courses at government institutions located outside Himachal Pradesh, specifically in cases where hostel facilities are not provided. The professional fields eligible for this expanded support include Engineering, Technology, Business Management, Medical Sciences, Law, Computer Applications, and various vocational training programmes.

Current Beneficiaries and Budget Allocation

As it stands, 504 girls aged 18 to 27 currently receive benefits under the scheme. Approximately 20 percent of these beneficiaries are expected to pursue professional courses under the newly added provisions. To accommodate this potential increase in demand, an additional annual budget of around Rs 1 crore will be allocated. For the current fiscal year, a total of Rs 31.01 crore has been earmarked for the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna, with Rs 22.96 crore already utilized as of February 3.

Government Commitment to Upliftment

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reiterated the government’s dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable communities, highlighting that the scheme is aimed at fostering self-reliance among beneficiaries. He stated that the programme is strategically designed to ensure equitable access to educational resources for children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative supports the transformation of the educational landscape by allowing these children to pursue their academic and career aspirations without financial burdens.

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