Health Minister Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil Refutes Claims About Shagun Yojana

Shimla, 18th July 2024 — Health, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil refuted the baseless claims made by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP leaders regarding the Shagun Yojana. Shandil accused the opposition of attempting to mislead the public and undermine the progress achieved under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s leadership.

Jai Ram Thakur alleged that the government stopped financial assistance under the Shagun Yojana, leaving numerous applications pending. Shandil called these claims false, stating that the government provided Rs. 18.95 crore for the Shagun Scheme in the 2023-2024 financial year, with Rs. 14.45 crore already spent, benefiting 4,662 daughters. Each eligible daughter received Rs. 31,000 for their marriage.

Shandil highlighted that the current government increased the budget for the Shagun Scheme to Rs. 30.40 crore for this financial year, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting daughters and their families. He explained that delays in disbursing benefits were due to the Model Code of Conduct during the Lok Sabha and Assembly by-elections, which was beyond their control. Following the elections, Rs. 20.17 crore was promptly released to District Program Officers to ensure timely benefits for eligible beneficiaries.

The Minister emphasized other welfare schemes launched for women, including the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Mahila Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, providing Rs. 1,500 per month to eligible women, benefiting 2,85,000 women. Additionally, the state government spends about Rs. 1,330 crore annually on social security pensions, aiding around 8,24,000 old women, widows, and single women.

Shandil urged the opposition to avoid spreading misinformation and instead focus on collaborative efforts for the state’s betterment.