Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana is a Himachal Pradesh Government scheme launched in 2023 under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu with a total budget of Rs. 101 crore to provide education, housing, financial support, and rehabilitation to orphan children, specially-abled children, destitute women, and elderly individuals. The scheme is the first-of-its-kind in India where the Government legally adopts orphan children as “Children of the State” and bears full responsibility for their upbringing until they become self-reliant.
Himachal Pradesh Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana |
| Cabinet Approval | 16 February 2023 |
| Official Notification | SJE-A-F(4)-3/23 dated 28 February 2023 |
| Implementing Department | Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Himachal Pradesh |
| Total Budget | Rs. 101 crore |
| Fund Name | Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Kosh |
| Unique Feature | First-of-its-kind in India, the Government legally adopts orphan children as Children of the State |
| Main Objective | Provide family-like care, education, housing, and financial security to orphans, destitute women, and the elderly |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Orphan children, semi-orphan children, specially-abled children, destitute women, Ekal Nari, senior citizens |
| Orphan Definition | Child below 27 years whose both parents are dead or medically incapacitated |
| Ekal Nari Definition | Women whose husband missing for 7+ years, unmarried, deserted, abandoned, or Nari Sewa Sadan residents |
| Monthly Assistance (0 to 14 years) | Rs. 1,000 per month |
| Monthly Assistance (15 to 18 years) | Rs. 2,500 per month |
| Monthly Assistance for Ekal Nari | Rs. 2,500 per month |
| Monthly Assistance for Orphans with Relatives | Rs. 4,000 per month until age 27 |
| Higher Education Support | Rs. 1 lakh per year for coaching, hostel, and tuition fees up to age 27 |
| Study Period Stipend | Rs. 4,000 per month during coaching or study period |
| Marriage Assistance | Rs. 2 lakh or actual expenditure, whichever is lower |
| Startup Assistance | Up to Rs. 2 lakh for small or micro enterprise |
| Land Support | Up to 3 biswas of land for eligible orphan beneficiaries |
| Festival Allowance | Rs. 500 per child for major festivals |
| Clothing Allowance | Rs. 10,000 per year |
| Children Benefitted | 6,000+ orphan children, 4,000+ granted Children of the State status |
| Application Mode | Offline through the DCPU or DPO office |
Introduction of Himachal Pradesh Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana: A Brief Insight
In Himachal Pradesh, thousands of orphan children, specially-abled children, destitute women, and elderly individuals have historically lived without any structured long-term support system. Children who aged out of orphanages at 18 had no financial backing, no housing, and no pathway to education or employment. Destitute women with no family support had nowhere to turn. Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana was designed to permanently change this reality by making the State itself a parent for these children and a protector for these women and elderly individuals.
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved the scheme guidelines on 16 February 2023 and the official notification was issued vide SJE-A-F(4)-3/23 dated 28 February 2023 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Government allocated Rs. 101 crore for implementation through the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Kosh. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative in India where the Government legally adopts orphan children as “Children of the State” and takes full responsibility for their upbringing, education, housing, and marriage.
The scheme covers orphan children whose both parents are dead or medically incapacitated up to 27 years of age, semi-orphan children, specially-abled children, children in Child Care Institutions, destitute women, Ekal Nari (single women including those whose husband has been missing for a minimum of 7 years, deserted women, and Nari Sewa Sadan residents), and elderly persons without support. Monthly financial assistance ranges from Rs. 1,000 per month for children below 14 years to Rs. 2,500 per month for children aged 15 to 18 and single women. Newly identified orphans living with relatives receive Rs. 4,000 per month until age 27.
Beyond monthly support, the scheme provides Rs. 1 lakh per year for higher education with a Rs. 4,000 monthly stipend during the study period, Rs. 2 lakh marriage assistance, Rs. 2 lakh startup support for small enterprises, and up to 3 biswa land for eligible orphans to build their own home. Child Care Institutions under the scheme receive smart classrooms, computer labs, music rooms, e-libraries, sports facilities, wellness centres, and career counselling. The Government also plans the Adarsh Gram Sukh Ashray Parisar, an integrated campus for around 400 residents with a physiotherapy unit, swimming pool, vocational training centre, and recreation hall.
Himachal Pradesh women who need additional financial support beyond this scheme can also check eligibility under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women in Himachal Pradesh. Children from Scheduled Caste backgrounds in Himachal Pradesh who need housing support can additionally explore the Swaran Jayanti Ashraya Yojana, which provides a housing subsidy to SC beneficiaries. For orphan children and youth who want to set up their own enterprise after completing education under the Sukh Aashray Yojana, the Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana provides additional entrepreneurship and self-employment support to youth in Himachal Pradesh.
Orphan children, destitute women, single women, specially-abled individuals, elderly persons, and families in Himachal Pradesh looking for more welfare schemes, financial assistance programmes, housing support, education scholarships, and social security initiatives can also explore other available programmes under our Himachal Pradesh Government Welfare Schemes List section according to their eligibility and requirements.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana provides comprehensive financial, educational, housing, and rehabilitation support to eligible orphan children, destitute women, and senior citizens across Himachal Pradesh.
Monthly Financial Assistance
- Children aged 0 to 14 years: Rs. 1,000 per month deposited in a recurring deposit account
- Children aged 15 to 18 years: Rs. 2,500 per month deposited in a recurring deposit account
- Eligible Ekal Nari and single women: Rs. 2,500 per month deposited in a recurring deposit account
- Newly identified orphans living with relatives: Rs. 4,000 per month until age 27
- Recurring deposit accounts are opened for every child and destitute woman in shelter homes
Higher Education and Coaching Support (Above 18 Years)
- Rs. 1,00,000 per year for coaching, hostel, and tuition fees for eligible beneficiaries above 18 years
- Rs. 4,000 per month stipend during coaching or study period for personal expenses
- Support available until age 27 years
- Covers professional education, vocational education, and higher academic courses
Marriage Assistance
- One-time marriage grant of Rs. 2,00,000 or actual expenditure, whichever is lower
- Applicable to eligible beneficiaries covered under the scheme
Startup and Self-Employment Assistance
- Up to Rs. 2,00,000 for setting up a small or micro-scale enterprise
- Supports entrepreneurship and self-employment after completing education
Land and Housing Support
- Eligible orphan beneficiaries receive up to 3 biswa of land to build their own house
- Government constructs integrated complexes for destitute women, senior citizens, and orphans in a phased manner
Festival and Clothing Allowance
- Rs. 500 per child for celebrating major festivals
- Rs. 10,000 per year for clothing and footwear
Educational and Recreational Benefits
- 15-day educational tours and excursions across India organised for children
- Monthly picnics and outings are arranged for shelter home residents
- Smart classrooms, computer labs, music rooms, and indoor and outdoor sports facilities in Child Care Institutions
- E-library, career counselling, and tutors for coaching provided
- Medical rooms, wellness facilities, and counselling support are available
Adarsh Gram Sukh Ashray Parisar
- The government plans integrated Sukh Ashray Campus with a capacity for around 400 residents
- Campus includes a physiotherapy unit, a wellness centre, a swimming pool, an indoor gym, a vocational training centre, a recreation hall, a library, and sports facilities
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The following eligibility conditions apply to different categories of beneficiaries under Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana as per official guidelines notified vide SJE-A-F(4)-3/23 dated 28 February 2023.
Eligible Children
- Orphan children whose both biological or adoptive parents are dead or medically incapacitated, up to 27 years of age
- Semi-orphan children whose one parent is dead or medically incapacitated
- Children in need of care and protection residing in Child Care Institutions
- Specially-abled children requiring support and rehabilitation
- Children staying with relatives after being identified as orphans or semi-orphans
- Children leaving Child Care Institutions after turning 18 years who need after-care support
- Children getting out of foster care or sponsorship upon attaining 18 years of age
Eligible Women
- Destitute women with no family support
- Deserted or abandoned women
- Women whose husbands have been missing for at least 7 years
- Unmarried women without any means of support
- Women residing in Nari Seva Sadan or Shakti Sadan
- Eligible Ekal Nari (single women) as defined under the scheme
Eligible Senior Citizens
- Destitute elderly persons with no family support
- Residents of Old Age Homes under the scheme
General Conditions
- Applicant must be a resident of Himachal Pradesh
- Applicant must not have previously availed the same grant under the scheme for the same purpose
- Applications must be routed through the District Programme Officer or the District Child Protection Officer
Documents Required to be Attached
Documents required under Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana vary based on the beneficiary category. The following documents are generally required at the time of application.
For Orphan and Semi-Orphan Children
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Birth Certificate
- Death Certificate of both parents for the orphan category
- Death Certificate of one parent for the semi-orphan category
- Certificate from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) regarding declaration as an abandoned or surrendered child, wherever applicable
- Certificate confirming residency at Child Care Institution or After Care Institution, issued by DCPO and countersigned by the concerned authority
- Domicile Certificate of Himachal Pradesh
- Bank account details with IFSC code and account number
- Passport-sized photograph
For Higher Education Grant
- Certificate of existing educational qualification
- An admission certificate to the institute where the course is to be pursued
- Copy of the fee structure of the course as specified by the institute
- Certificate confirming the applicant has not previously availed the grant for the same purpose
For Small or Micro Scale Industry Grant
- Project report or business plan for the proposed enterprise
- Patwari or concerned Panchayat Secretary certificate submitted through DPO
- Affidavit of not owning land wherever required
For Destitute and Ekal Nari Women
- Affidavit confirming destitute or Ekal Nari status
- Income Certificate, wherever required
- Medical Disability Certificate for specially-abled applicants
- Caste Certificate, wherever applicable
Important: All applications are routed through the District Programme Officer (DPO) or District Child Protection Officer (DCPO). Applicants must contact the nearest District Child Protection Unit or Women and Child Development office to confirm the complete document checklist applicable to their specific beneficiary category.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana follows an offline application process routed through district-level authorities. There is no dedicated public online portal for direct applications. Beneficiaries apply through the District Child Protection Unit or the Women and Child Development office in their district.
Step 1: Identify the correct beneficiary category under the scheme. Orphan children, semi-orphan children, specially-abled children, destitute women, Ekal Nari, and senior citizens each have separate application processes and document requirements.
Step 2: Contact the nearest District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) or District Programme Officer (DPO) office in your district. Children currently residing in Child Care Institutions can approach the Superintendent of the concerned Child Care Institution for assistance with the application process.
Step 3: Collect the relevant application form for the specific benefit being applied for. Separate forms are available for higher education grants, small industry grants, and other components of the scheme from the DPO office or DCPU office.
Step 4: Fill the application form carefully with all required personal details and attach all required documents including Aadhaar Card, birth certificate, death certificate of parents, domicile certificate, bank account details, and category-specific documents.
Step 5: For orphan children identified as living with relatives, the application and documents must be recommended by the Patwari or concerned Panchayat Secretary before submission to the DPO.
Step 6: Submit the completed application form along with all attached documents to the District Programme Officer through the prescribed channel. Applications for Child Care Institution residents are submitted through the Superintendent of the institution.
Step 7: The District Child Protection Officer verifies the application and documents. The DCPO issues the certificate confirming residency at the Child Care Institution or the After Care Institution and countersigns relevant certificates.
Step 8: After verification and approval by the concerned authority, the sanctioned benefit amount is transferred directly into the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT. For recurring monthly assistance, deposits are credited directly into the recurring deposit account opened in the beneficiary’s name.
Important: Applicants must not have previously availed the same grant under Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana for the same purpose. The scheme requires verification that the applicant is a genuine resident of Himachal Pradesh. Beneficiaries should contact their nearest DCPU or DPO office to get complete and current application guidelines applicable to their specific category and the benefit being applied for.
Important Links Available
- Himachal Pradesh Government Official Portal.
- Department of Empowerment of SC, OBC, Minorities and Specially Abled, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
Beneficiaries seeking information about Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana eligibility, application process, or scheme-related queries can contact the following official channels.
- Helpline: 0177-2629763
- Email: wcd-hp@nic.in
- Directorate of Women and Child Development, Himachal Pradesh
Behind Himland Hotel,
Himland, Shimla,
Himachal Pradesh 171001 - For local queries: Contact the nearest District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) or District Programme Officer (DPO) office in your district
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana?
Ans. Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana is a Himachal Pradesh Government scheme launched in 2023 to provide family-like care, education, skill development, housing, and financial security to orphan children, semi-orphan children, specially-abled children, destitute women, Ekal Nari, and senior citizens across the state.
Q. When was this scheme launched?
Ans. The Cabinet approved the guidelines on 16 February 2023 and the official notification was issued vide SJE-A-F(4)-3/23 dated 28 February 2023 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Q. What is unique about this scheme?
Ans. Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana is the first-of-its-kind initiative in India where the Government legally recognizes eligible orphan children as “Children of the State” and takes full responsibility for their upbringing, education, housing, and marriage.
Q. Who are “Children of the State” under this scheme?
Ans. Children of the State are orphan and semi-orphan children whose biological or adoptive parents are dead or medically incapacitated. The Himachal Pradesh Government adopts these children and bears all expenses related to their education, housing, and welfare until they become self-reliant.
Q. What is the official definition of an orphan under this scheme?
Ans. Under Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana, an orphan means a child below 27 years whose biological or adoptive parents are both dead or whose biological or adoptive parent is medically incapacitated.
Q. Who is an Ekal Nari under this scheme?
Ans. Ekal Nari under this scheme includes women whose husbands have been missing for at least 7 years, unmarried women without support, deserted or abandoned women, and women residing in Nari Seva Sadan or Shakti Sadan.
Q. What monthly financial assistance do children receive?
Ans. Children aged 0 to 14 years receive Rs. 1,000 per month. Children aged 15 to 18 years receive Rs. 2,500 per month. Newly identified orphans living with relatives receive Rs. 4,000 per month until the age of 27 years.
Q. What support is available for higher education after 18 years?
Ans. Eligible beneficiaries above 18 years receive Rs. 1,00,000 per year for coaching, hostel, and tuition fees, along with a monthly stipend of Rs. 4,000 for personal expenses during the study period. This support is available until the age of 27 years.
Q. What marriage assistance does the scheme provide?
Ans. The scheme provides a one-time marriage grant of Rs. 2,00,000 or actual expenditure, whichever is lower, to eligible beneficiaries covered under the scheme.
Q. Does the scheme provide land to orphan children?
Ans. Yes. Eligible orphan beneficiaries receive up to 3 biswa of land to build their own house under the scheme.
Q. What startup support does the scheme provide?
Ans. Eligible beneficiaries who want to start their own small or micro-scale enterprise receive up to Rs. 2,00,000 as startup assistance after completing their education.
Q. What is the total budget for this scheme?
Ans. The Government of Himachal Pradesh allocated Rs. 101 crore for the implementation of Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana through the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Kosh.
Q. What is the Adarsh Gram Sukh Ashray Parisar?
Ans. Adarsh Gram Sukh Ashray Parisar is an integrated campus planned under the scheme with capacity for around 400 residents. It will include a physiotherapy unit, wellness centre, swimming pool, indoor gym, vocational training centre, recreation hall, library, and sports facilities for beneficiaries.
Q. How can beneficiaries apply for this scheme?
Ans. Applications are submitted offline through the District Child Protection Unit or the District Programme Officer in each district. Children in Child Care Institutions apply through the Superintendent of the institution. There is no dedicated public online portal for direct applications.
Q. What facilities are available in Child Care Institutions under this scheme?
Ans. Child Care Institutions under Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana provide smart classrooms, computer labs, music rooms, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, e-library, career counselling, tutors for coaching, medical rooms, wellness facilities, and counselling support to residents.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.