Punjab Newsline,Himachal:
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Highlights Initiatives for Girls’ Welfare, Working Women, and Early Childhood Education
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced that the state government has undertaken bold measures over the past three years to implement ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’, a systemic transformation aimed at women’s empowerment, self-reliance, and inclusive development.
Speaking at a press briefing, CM Sukhu highlighted the significant improvement in the state’s child sex ratio, which has risen from 947 to 964 in the last three years. He stated that this improvement reflects the government’s focused and sustained efforts to protect and promote the girl child. According to the CM, this positive trend has laid the groundwork for a new series of transformative initiatives benefiting women and children across Himachal Pradesh.
Among the key programs, CM Sukhu highlighted the Indira Gandhi Sukh Suraksha Yojna, which provides financial security to girls born in Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Under the scheme, Rs. 25,000 is deposited at the time of birth for each girl. In addition, life insurance coverage of Rs. 2 lakh is provided for both parents, with the insured amount maturing when the girl turns 18 or at her discretion, up to the age of 27. CM Sukhu noted that this initiative complements the ongoing ‘Beti Hai Anmol Yojana’, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to the welfare and protection of girls.
To support working women, the government has approved the construction of 13 new hostels across districts including Solan, Palampur, Baddi, Gagret, and Nagrota Bagwan, at an estimated cost of Rs. 132 crore. These hostels will provide safe and affordable accommodation, enabling women to pursue education and employment with confidence.
In the education sector, the CM announced the transformation of all 18,925 Anganwadi Centres in the state into ‘Anganwadi Sah’ Preschools. These preschools will provide play-based early childhood education for children aged 3 to 6 years. Anganwadi workers will receive specialized training to deliver foundational learning, ensuring that every child gains a strong educational base in the critical early years.
CM Sukhu also highlighted the government’s flagship Sukh Aashray Yojna, describing it as a landmark initiative providing comprehensive care and support to orphaned children and destitute women. The scheme ensures that the state takes responsibility for their upbringing, education, and livelihood, guaranteeing that no child or woman is left behind in the journey toward self-reliance.
“These forward-looking initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and social welfare. By prioritizing the welfare of girls, women, and children, we are creating a pathway for a stronger, self-reliant, and equitable Himachal Pradesh. Vyavastha Parivartan is not merely governance; it is a transformation of systems designed to empower every citizen, particularly women, enabling them to live with dignity and independence,” said CM Sukhu.
With these initiatives, Himachal Pradesh aims to strengthen social security, improve educational outcomes, and empower women and children to participate fully in the state’s development, marking a new era of systemic reform under the banner of ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’.