Himachal: Financial Assistance for Daughters of Widows to Pursue Higher Education, Indira Gandhi Sukha Shiksha Yojana Expanded
Shimla – The Himachal Pradesh government has taken significant steps to ensure universal access to education by expanding the Indira Gandhi Sukha Shiksha Yojana. Under this scheme, children of widows, destitute, divorced women, and differently-abled parents will receive financial assistance to pursue higher education both within the state and outside.
According to the revised provisions, eligible daughters of widows will benefit from the scheme up to the age of 27 years. Students pursuing professional courses in government institutions outside the state will receive financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month for up to 10 months for rent or PG accommodation, provided hostel facilities are unavailable.
The scheme covers courses in engineering, technology, business, management, medicine, law, computer applications and IT, education and humanities, SCVT-run programs, craftsperson training courses, and programs offered by the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology.
Currently, financial assistance is provided to children up to 18 years of age. With the new expansion, approximately 20% of the 504 students aged up to 27 years may enroll in professional courses, requiring an estimated additional annual budget of ₹1 crore.
For the current financial year, the government has allocated ₹31.01 crore under the scheme, of which ₹22.96 crore has already been spent. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the government is committed to empowering children from marginalized sections of society and providing equal opportunities for education.
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