Efforts of government drives progress in women and child development

Shimla, 22 June, 2025

· Over 26000 benefited with financial aid of about Rs. 90 crore

The state government is making consistent and determined efforts to create a more equitable and compassionate society by empowering women and children through several welfare schemes. With a strong focus on health, education, safety and financial stability, the government is working to ensure that every woman and child receives an opportunity to thrive.

One of the most remarkable achievements in recent times has been the significant improvement in the sex ratio, which rose from 947 in 2023 to 964 in 2024. This positive change reflects a growing societal shift towards valuing the girl child, reinforced by various schemes launched to support their well-being.

The financial support for the marriage of girls from economically weaker sections continues to be a key focus area. Under the Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana, Rs. 1,989.31 lakh has been provided as to help 3,956 girls at the time of their marriage. Similarly, the Mukhyamantri Shagun Yojana has extended support to 12,192 girls, with financial assistance amounting to Rs. 3,779.52 lakh as shagun. These initiatives reflect the state’s commitment to ensuring dignity and support for young women as they enter a new phase of life.

Recognizing the right of widows to remarry and lead a respectful life, the government has also extended financial assistance through the Widow Remarriage Scheme. Under this scheme, 239 women have been supported with a total assistance of Rs. 291.15 lakh, encouraging their reintegration into society with dignity and support.

The welfare of orphan children has been given special attention under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana, through which Rs. 25.98 crore has been provided to support their overall well-being. For educational support, 9,859 children have received Rs. 302.18 lakh under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana, it helping them to grow and learn in a secure and nurturing environment.

Apart from this, the state government took a historic step by passing the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 1972. This move is helping to promote gender equality and empower women. It addresses long-standing inequalities in property rights and shows the commitment of present stat government towards social justice for women. The initiative reflects the vision of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and is a bold step towards giving women greater financial independence and social empowerment across the state.

Not only this, the present state government has also started the Indira Gandhi Sukh Suraksha Yojana, under which the government will deposit Rs. 25,000 with an insurance company for each of the first two daughters born in a BPL family. In addition to this, parents will receive life insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh each. The deposited amount will be handed over to the girl when she turns 18 or anytime before she reaches 27 years of age.

To support working women, the government plans to build 13 Working Women Hostels across key locations such as Solan, Baddi, Palampur, Gagret, and the Medical Device Park in Solan. These hostels, to be constructed in 2025–26 at a cost of Rs. 132 crore, will provide safe, affordable and convenient accommodation for employed women, enabling their economic independence.

Through these comprehensive and impactful measures, the Himachal Pradesh government is not only addressing the immediate needs of women and children but also laying the foundation for a more just, inclusive and progressive society.