In a significant move aimed at bolstering social welfare, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued directives for the immediate disbursement of pending financial aid to beneficiaries in the state's remote tribal areas. The instruction specifically targets funds under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana that are due to eligible women in the regions of Pangi, Lahaul-Spiti, Dodra Kwar, and Kupvi.
Review Meeting Highlights Widespread Pension Coverage
The Chief Minister's order came during a high-level review meeting of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department held on Friday. The meeting focused on assessing the progress and implementation of various state-run welfare schemes. Sukhu revealed that the Himachal Pradesh government is currently providing social security pensions to more than 8.41 lakh eligible individuals across the state, showcasing a massive outreach effort.
A detailed breakdown of the beneficiaries was provided:
- Over 1.04 lakh individuals receive the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension.
- Approximately 5.04 lakh beneficiaries are covered under the state's old age pension scheme.
- 25,414 widows benefit from the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension.
- Another 1.26 lakh women receive support through the widow, destitute, and single woman pension scheme.
- 1,340 persons are enrolled in the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension.
- 78,291 individuals are provided assistance under the disability relief allowance.
Substantial Increase in Pension Approvals Over Three Years
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the government's commitment to expanding the social safety net. He announced that in the last three fiscal years, the state administration has approved a staggering 99,799 new social security pension cases. The yearly approvals are as follows:
- 41,799 cases in the financial year 2023–24.
- 41,012 cases in 2024–25.
- 16,988 cases in 2025–26.
This data underscores a consistent effort to include more vulnerable citizens under the pension umbrella.
Other Key Welfare Schemes in Focus
Beyond pension schemes, the review also covered other crucial initiatives. Under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, financial assistance is being extended to support education. Currently, 20,735 beneficiaries aged between 0 and 18 years and 853 beneficiaries aged 18 to 27 years are receiving aid through this program.
Furthermore, the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Yojana provides substantial monthly assistance to its eligible beneficiaries. The scheme offers tiered financial support with amounts of Rs 1,000, Rs 2,500, and Rs 4,000 per month, tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the recipients.
The Chief Minister's urgent directive to release funds for tribal regions highlights a targeted approach to ensure that geographical remoteness does not hinder access to welfare benefits. This move is expected to provide timely financial relief to women in some of the state's most far-flung and challenging terrains, reinforcing the government's pledge to equitable development.
