From Struggle to Stability: Manjit Kaur’s Journey to a Permanent Home

From a Leaky Mud House to a Permanent Home: Government Scheme Transforms Life of Una Widow

Una, June 2: For years, Manjit Kaur of Saloh village in Haroli block spent sleepless nights worrying about her family’s safety as rainwater seeped through the roof of her dilapidated mud house. Today, her long-cherished dream of owning a permanent home is steadily becoming a reality, thanks to government support under the Chief Minister’s Single Woman Housing Scheme.

The 48-year-old widow lost her husband nearly eight years ago and has since single-handedly raised her two sons while managing household responsibilities through daily wage labour and MGNREGA work. Limited income made it impossible for her to construct a permanent house, forcing the family to continue living in unsafe conditions.

Manjit Kaur said she learned about the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board while working under MGNREGA. After completing more than 90 days of work, she became eligible for registration with the board and subsequently received assistance under the Chief Minister’s housing scheme for single women.

She has already received the first installment of ₹1 lakh for house construction, and the work has now reached the roof-laying stage. Additional financial assistance will be released in phases as construction progresses, enabling her to complete the house without taking on heavy debt.

“What once seemed like an impossible dream is now taking shape before my eyes,” she said, expressing gratitude to the state government for supporting vulnerable families like hers.

District Labour Welfare Officer Aman Sharma said that more than 1,166 workers in Una district have benefited from welfare schemes, receiving financial assistance exceeding ₹6.26 crore for education, healthcare, social security, marriage assistance and housing support.

Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Nardev Singh Kanwar, said the board is working to ensure that welfare schemes reach eligible workers through transparent and accessible processes. Board Secretary and CEO Rajiv Kumar added that the initiatives are helping workers become more self-reliant while providing dignity, security and a better future for their families.

Deputy Commissioner Una, Jatin Lal, said the district administration is committed to ensuring timely delivery of welfare benefits to all eligible beneficiaries. He noted that government schemes are bringing meaningful social and economic change to the lives of needy families across the district.