Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana was a scheme of the Government of Himachal Pradesh that provided Rs. 6,000 per child per year for a maximum of two children to widows, destitute, divorced, and abandoned women for the upbringing and education of children up to 18 years. The scheme has been officially repealed and replaced by the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which provides double the benefit with broader coverage.
Himachal Pradesh Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Notification | SJE(A)10-2/2006 dated 29 May 2009 (Amended 2009) |
| Implementing Department | Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh |
| Main Objective | Provide financial assistance to widows, destitute, divorced, and abandoned women for the upbringing and education of their children |
| Financial Assistance | Rs. 6,000 per child per year |
| Enhancement Date | 11 October 2020 |
| Maximum Children Covered | Two children per family |
| Child Age Limit | Up to 18 years |
| Income Limit | Annual family income not exceeding Rs. 35,000 |
| Missing Husband Eligibility | Husband missing for 2 or more years, as per the police FIR |
| Eligible Categories | Widows, destitute women, divorced women, abandoned women, guardians of orphan children |
| Selection Authority | Rural Development Department for rural areas, Urban Development Department for urban areas, through the Panchayat Resolution |
| Budget FY 2022-23 | Rs. 11.53 crore |
| Budget FY 2023-24 | Rs. 9.39 crore |
| Current Status | Repealed – replaced by Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana |
| Replaced By | Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana |
| Application Mode | Online through the HimSeva portal and offline through the nearest CDPO or Panchayat office |
| Phone | 0177-3525101 / 0177-3525102 |
| HimSeva Portal | himseva.hp.gov.in |
Introduction of Himachal Pradesh Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana: A Brief Insight
When a woman loses her husband or is abandoned or deserted, the immediate challenge is not just emotional; it is financial. Feeding children, paying school fees, and managing daily household expenses alone on an income below Rs. 35,000 per year is extremely difficult. Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana was introduced by the Government of Himachal Pradesh specifically to support such women.
The Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh, implemented the scheme under Notification No. SJE(A)10-2/2006 dated 29 May 2009. The scheme provided Rs. 6,000 per child per year for a maximum of two children to widows, destitute women, divorced women, and abandoned women for the upbringing and education of their children up to 18 years of age. On 11 October 2020, the Government enhanced the annual assistance to Rs. 6,000 from the earlier lower amount. The total budget allocated was Rs. 11.53 crore in FY 2022-23 and Rs. 9.39 crore in FY 2023-24. To be eligible, annual family income must not have exceeded Rs. 35,000. Applications were submitted through the Panchayat with a mandatory Panchayat Resolution for beneficiary selection.
Important: Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana has been officially repealed. The Government of Himachal Pradesh replaced it with the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana in December 2024, which provides Rs. 1,000 per month per child, double the earlier annual benefit, along with free higher education support, including course fee, hostel fee, and mess charges at Government institutions for eligible persons aged 18 to 27 years. Eligible women must now apply under the new scheme through the HimSeva portal or the nearest CDPO office.
Families in Himachal Pradesh who also have girl children can explore the Beti Hai Anmol Yojana, which provides a Rs. 21,000 deposit at birth and annual scholarships from Class 1 to graduation for girl children of BPL families born before 01 April 2026. For girls born on or after 01 April 2026, the Indira Gandhi Sukh Suraksha Yojana provides a Rs. 25,000 deposit at birth and a Rs. 2 lakh life insurance cover for each parent.
Widows, destitute women, divorced women, abandoned women, and anyone looking for more women’s welfare schemes, child support programmes, financial assistance initiatives, and social security schemes in Himachal Pradesh can also explore other available programmes under our Himachal Pradesh Government Schemes List section.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana provided annual financial assistance to eligible widowed, destitute, divorced, and abandoned women for the upbringing and education of their children.
Financial Assistance
- Eligible beneficiaries received Rs. 6,000 per child per year for the upbringing and education of their children
- Assistance was limited to a maximum of two children per family
- Financial assistance was provided until the child attained 18 years of age
- The amount was deposited directly into the bank account of the beneficiary
Enhancement of Financial Assistance
- The Government of Himachal Pradesh enhanced the annual assistance to Rs. 6,000 per child per year on 11 October 2020
- Before this enhancement, the assistance was lower; the government progressively increased the benefit over the years to better support vulnerable families
Budget Allocation
- The Government of Himachal Pradesh allocated Rs. 11.53 crore for the scheme in FY 2022-23
- Budget allocation for FY 2023-24 was Rs. 9.39 crore
The successor scheme, Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana provides significantly higher benefits, Rs. 1,000 per month per child (Rs. 12,000 per year), which is double the Rs. 6,000 annual assistance under Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana, along with free higher education support at Government institutions for eligible persons aged 18 to 27 years.
Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana vs Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana
Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana has been replaced by Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana with significantly expanded benefits and wider coverage for eligible women and their children in Himachal Pradesh.
| Feature | Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana | Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | Repealed | Active since December 2024 |
| Annual Financial Assistance | Rs. 6,000 per child per year | Rs. 1,000 per month per child (Rs. 12,000 per year) |
| Children Covered | Maximum two children | All eligible children of the family |
| Age Limit for Assistance | Up to 18 years | Up to 18 years for monthly assistance |
| Higher Education Support | Not available | Free course fee, hostel fee, and mess charges at Government institutions for eligible persons aged 18 to 27 years |
| Hostel Support | Not available | Rs. 3,000 per month if the Government hostel is not available |
| Income Limit | Annual income not exceeding Rs. 35,000 | Annual family income not exceeding Rs. 1,00,000 |
| Eligible Categories | Widows, destitute, divorced, abandoned women | Widows, destitute, divorced, abandoned women and disabled parents |
| Eligibility Certificate | Not required separately | Issued by District Programme Officer, valid for 1 year |
| Payment Mode | Annual bank transfer | Monthly DBT into the joint bank account of the child and the mother |
| Apply Through | Panchayat or CDPO office | HimSeva portal or the nearest CDPO office |
Eligible women who were receiving benefits under Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana should contact their nearest CDPO office to transition to the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana and avail the enhanced benefits under the new scheme.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The following eligibility conditions applied to beneficiaries seeking financial assistance under Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana as per the official scheme guidelines of the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Basic Eligibility
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh
- Annual family income must not exceed Rs. 35,000 per year or the family must belong to the BPL category
- Applicant must have children aged 0 to 18 years
- Benefits are available for a maximum of two children per family only
Eligible Categories of Women
- Widows whose husbands have passed away
- Women whose husbands have been missing for 2 or more years, as per the FIR from the concerned police station
- Divorced women who are legally separated from their husbands
- Destitute women who have no adequate source of livelihood
- Abandoned women living separately from their husbands
- Guardians of orphan children, where applicable
Selection Process
- Beneficiaries are selected by the Rural Development Department for rural areas and the Urban Development Department for urban areas
- Selection is done through Panchayat Resolution, which is mandatory for finalising the beneficiary list
Since Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana has been repealed, widows, destitute, divorced, and abandoned women with children can now apply under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, the successor scheme, which covers a broader range of beneficiaries with Rs. 1,000 per month per child and free higher education support up to 27 years of age.
Documents Required to be Attached
The following documents are required for availing benefits under Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana. Applications are processed through the Panchayat or the nearest Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) office.
- Application form certified by the Panchayat Secretary and the Panchayat Pradhan
- Panchayat Resolution copy for the selection of the beneficiary
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate confirming permanent residence in Himachal Pradesh
- BPL Certificate or Income Certificate confirming annual family income does not exceed Rs. 35,000
- Birth Certificate of children as age proof, confirming children are below 18 years
- Husband’s Death Certificate for widow applicants
- FIR copy confirming husband missing for 2 or more years for missing husband cases
- Divorce Certificate or court order for divorced women applicants
- Affidavit by mother confirming eligibility details
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Bank account details for direct transfer of financial assistance
- Passport size photograph of the applicant
Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana has been repealed and replaced by the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which provides much broader educational, health, and nutritional support to eligible women and their children. Beneficiaries looking for current assistance must apply under the new scheme.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana accepted applications through both online and offline modes through the Himachal Pradesh e-District services and the CDPO office network.
Online Application Process
Step 1: Visit the official HimSeva portal at himseva.hp.gov.in and register or log in using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and OTP.
Step 2: Search for Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana in the available citizen services section and click on Apply.
Step 3: Fill the online application form with all required personal details, including name, address, income details, children’s details, and bank account information.
Step 4: Upload all required documents, including Bonafide Himachali Certificate, BPL or Income Certificate, Birth Certificates of children, Death Certificate or FIR or Divorce Certificate as applicable, Affidavit by mother, Aadhaar Card, and bank account details.
Step 5: Submit the completed application and download the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
Step 6: After submission, the concerned authorities verify the application. A Panchayat Resolution is prepared for the selection of the beneficiary, which is mandatory before approval.
Step 7: After final approval by the District Programme Officer, the financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per child per year is deposited directly into the bank account of the beneficiary.
Offline Application Process
Step 1: Visit the nearest Panchayat office, CDPO office, or ICDS office in your area and collect the application form for Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana.
Step 2: Fill the application form carefully with all required personal, income, and children’s details.
Step 3: Get the application form certified by the Panchayat Secretary and Panchayat Pradhan. Attach the Panchayat Resolution copy confirming your selection as a beneficiary.
Step 4: Attach all required documents, including Bonafide Himachali Certificate, BPL or Income Certificate, children’s Birth Certificates, Husband’s Death Certificate or FIR copy or Divorce Certificate as applicable, Affidavit by mother, Aadhaar Card, bank account details, and passport-size photograph.
Step 5: Submit the completed application form with all documents to the nearest CDPO office or Panchayat office.
Step 6: The CDPO verifies the application and forwards it to the District Programme Officer for final approval. After approval, Rs. 6,000 per child per year is deposited directly into the bank account of the beneficiary.
Important: Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana has been repealed. Eligible women, widows, destitute, divorced, and abandoned women with children, should now apply under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which is the official successor scheme with significantly enhanced benefits, including Rs. 1,000 per month per child and free higher education support.
Important Links Available
- Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana Application Page, Himachal Pradesh e-District Portal.
- HimSeva Portal, Online Citizen Services.
- Directorate of Women and Child Development Official Portal.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
Beneficiaries facing issues related to Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana application, financial assistance, or scheme-related queries can contact the following official channels.
- Phone: 0177-3525101 / 0177-3525102
- Directorate of Women and Child Development
Government of Himachal Pradesh
Block No. 33, SDA Complex,
Kasumpti, Shimla 171009,
Himachal Pradesh - For local queries: Contact the nearest Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) office in your area
- For current scheme assistance: Contact the nearest CDPO office for applying under Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana which has replaced this scheme
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana?
Ans. Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana was a scheme launched by the Government of Himachal Pradesh to provide annual financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per child per year for a maximum of two children to widowed, destitute, divorced, and abandoned women for the upbringing and education of their children up to 18 years of age.
Q. Is Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana still active?
Ans. No. Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana has been officially repealed by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The scheme has been replaced by the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which provides much wider and enhanced benefits to eligible women and their children.
Q. Which scheme replaced Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana?
Ans. The Government of Himachal Pradesh officially replaced Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana with the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana launched in December 2024. The new scheme provides Rs. 1,000 per month per child, which is double the earlier Rs. 6,000 per year, along with free higher education support at Government institutions for eligible persons aged 18 to 27 years.
Q. How much financial assistance did this scheme provide?
Ans. The scheme provided Rs. 6,000 per child per year for a maximum of two children. This amount was enhanced on 11 October 2020 by the Government of Himachal Pradesh to better support vulnerable families.
Q. Who was eligible for Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana?
Ans. Widows, destitute women, divorced women, abandoned women, and women whose husbands had been missing for 2 or more years who were permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh with annual family income not exceeding Rs. 35,000 and having children aged 0 to 18 years were eligible for the scheme.
Q. What was the income limit for this scheme?
Ans. The annual family income must not have exceeded Rs. 35,000 per year or the family must have belonged to the BPL category to be eligible under Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana.
Q. How many children were covered under this scheme?
Ans. Financial assistance was provided for a maximum of two children per family. Assistance stopped when the child attained 18 years of age.
Q. Was a missing husband’s wife eligible for this scheme?
Ans. Yes. If the husband had been missing for 2 or more years as per the FIR from the concerned police station, the wife was eligible for financial assistance under the scheme.
Q. What was the budget allocation for this scheme?
Ans. The Government of Himachal Pradesh allocated Rs. 11.53 crore for the scheme in FY 2022-23 and Rs. 9.39 crore in FY 2023-24.
Q. How was the financial assistance paid to beneficiaries?
Ans. The financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per child per year was deposited directly into the bank account of the eligible beneficiary after verification and approval by the District Programme Officer.
Q. Was the Panchayat Resolution mandatory for applying?
Ans. Yes. A Panchayat Resolution copy confirming the selection of the beneficiary was mandatory for finalising the application under Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana.
Q. What is the difference between Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana and Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana?
Ans. Mother Teresa Asahaya Matri Sambal Yojana provided Rs. 6,000 per child per year for a maximum of two children up to age 18. The Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which replaced it, provides Rs. 1,000 per month per child (Rs. 12,000 per year), double the earlier benefit, along with free higher education support including course fee, hostel fee, and mess charges at Government institutions for eligible persons aged 18 to 27 years. The new scheme also covers a broader category of eligible women.
Q. Where should eligible women apply now that this scheme is repealed?
Ans. Eligible women, widows, destitute, divorced, and abandoned women with children, should now apply under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana through the HimSeva portal at himseva.hp.gov.in or by visiting the nearest CDPO office.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme 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.