The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Sukhu, has announced that the income limit for social security pensions provided to women in the state will be abolished. This move is expected to benefit around 9,000 families. Additionally, the government is enhancing the monthly pension to Rs 1,500 for eligible women. Moreover, the government plans to include 40,000 eligible individuals under the social security scheme this year.
The Chief Minister also announced a new scheme, ‘Mukhya Mantri Vidhwa Evam Ekal Nari Awas Yojana,’ under which eligible women will receive financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh for constructing houses. In this fiscal year, the government will provide assistance to around 7,000 single women and widows.
Furthermore, the Congress has promised a monthly pension of Rs 1,500 to all women above 18 years of age, benefiting 2.31 lakh women, with a budget allocation of Rs 416 crore. The government has also extended this benefit to all women above the age of 18 years in the Spiti Valley.
The Chief Minister stated that the government is committed to ensuring the welfare of every section of society, especially the underprivileged groups. In line with these efforts, the government has reduced the prices of mustard oil by about Rs 37 per litre, provided under the Public Distribution System, making it available at Rs 110 per litre to consumers in fair price shops.
This decision highlights the government’s commitment to create a more equitable society, where everyone receives the support they require to lead a good life. The enhanced social security scheme and the Mukhya Mantri Vidhwa Evam Ekal Nari Awas Yojana will be instrumental in improving the quality of life for single women, widows, and destitute women in the state.
