DW BUREAU / SHIMLA

"We are deeply thankful to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Because of him, our children are now able to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams. We wish to see such a compassionate government again and again," says Asha Puri from Una district, while talking about the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana. Asha lost her son about five years ago. Since then, she has been living with her daughter-in-law and two granddaughters. The family was struggling even to meet daily expenses, let alone afford the girls' education. In such a difficult time, the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana emerged as a ray of hope.

Asha's daughter-in-law, Pooja Puri, says, "After my husband's death, the family was facing severe financial hardship. It became very difficult to continue the children's education. We applied under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana and now we are receiving financial support from the state government. Both daughters are now receiving a monthly assistance of Rs. 1,000 each."

Similarly, Varsha from Luj village in the remote Pangi Valley of Chamba district lost her father in the year 2014. His demise brought immense hardship as he was the sole breadwinner of the family. Varsha says, "After my father's death, my mother could not afford our education. But with the help of the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, we are now receiving financial assistance. I am grateful to the Chief Minister sir."

Beyond financial aid, the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana is restoring hope of a better future. This scheme is opening new avenues of education for children from economically weaker backgrounds and has become a boon for those who are deprived of education due to family or social challenges. The scheme is a testimony to the compassionate leadership and welfare-oriented vision of the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, marking a significant step towards social justice and educational accessibility in the state.

(editor@dailyworld.in)