Feature-Efforts of government drives progress in women and child development

Over 26000 benefited with financial aid of about Rs. 90 crore

Shimla, 22 June, 2025-The state government is making consistent and determined efforts to create a more equitable and compassionate society by empowering women and children through several welfare schemes. With a strong focus on health, education, safety and financial stability, the government is working to ensure that every woman and child receives an opportunity to thrive.

One of the most remarkable achievements in recent times has been thesignificant improvement in the sex ratio, which rose from 947 in 2023 to 964 in 2024. This positive change reflects a growing societal shift towards valuing the girl child, reinforced by various schemes launched to support their well-being.

The financial support for the marriage of girls from economically weaker sections continues to be a key focus area. Under the Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana, Rs. 1,989.31 lakh has been provided as to help 3,956 girls at the time of their marriage. Similarly, the Mukhyamantri Shagun Yojana has extended support to 12,192 girls, with financial assistance amounting to Rs. 3,779.52 lakh as shagun. These initiatives reflect the state’s commitment to ensuring dignity and support for young women as they enter a new phase of life.

Recognizing the right of widows to remarry and lead a respectful life, the government has also extended financial assistance through the Widow Remarriage Scheme. Under this scheme, 239 women have been supported with a total assistance of Rs. 291.15 lakh, encouraging their reintegration into society with dignity and support.

The welfare of orphan children has been given special attention under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana, through which Rs. 25.98 crore has been provided to support their overall well-being. For educational support, 9,859 children have received Rs. 302.18 lakh under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana, it helping them to grow and learn in a secure and nurturing environment.

Apart from this, the state government took a historic step by passing the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 1972. This move is helping to promote gender equality and empower women. It addresses long-standing inequalities in property rights and shows the commitment of present stat government towards social justice for women. The initiative reflects the vision of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and is a bold step towards giving women greater financial independence and social empowerment across the state.

Not only this, the present state government has also started the Indira Gandhi Sukh Suraksha Yojana, under which the government will deposit Rs. 25,000 with an insurance company for each of the first two daughters born in a BPL family. In addition to this, parents will receive life insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh each. The deposited amount will be handed over to the girl when she turns 18 or anytime before she reaches 27 years of age.

To support working women, the government plans to build 13 Working Women Hostels across key locations such as Solan, Baddi, Palampur, Gagret, and the Medical Device Park in Solan. These hostels, to be constructed in 2025–26 at a cost of Rs. 132 crore, will provide safe, affordable and convenient accommodation for employed women, enabling their economic independence.

Through these comprehensive and impactful measures, the Himachal Pradesh government is not only addressing the immediate needs of women and children but also laying the foundation for a more just, inclusive and progressive society.

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Newly appointed Member of RERA Vidur Mehta called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Shimla on 22nd June 2025. It was a courtesy call.

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CM felicitates winners of Pro-Boxing International Championship

• Government to intensify campaign against drugs: CM

SHIMLA -22 June, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today here felicitated the winners of the former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Memorial Pro-Boxing International Championship, held at the historic Ridge. Indian boxer Yashpal emerged as the champion and made the country proud with his performance.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the event was a tribute to the Late Virbhadra Singh and praised the organizers for their efforts. He said the state government has launched a strong campaign against drug abuse, which is receiving encouraging support from the youth. The government will further strengthen this drive and take strict action against drug mafias, he added.

He further said that the state government has taken several steps during its tenure to keep youth away from drugs and to promote sports. He said that the state government has significantly increased the prize money for medal winners of international-level competitions. Additionally, special leave provisions have been made for players participating in state, national and international-level sports competitions, whereas previously such participants were considered absent.

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said the event was organized by the Pro-Boxing Organization in memory of the late Virbhadra Singh. The championship also aimed to spread awareness among youth about the dangers of drug abuse. The event was a tribute to Raja Virbhadra Singh’s contributions to the development of Himachal Pradesh.

The championship was inaugurated by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and featured five professional boxers each from India and Russia.

MLAs Harish Janartha and Sanjay Awasthi, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Vice Chairman HIMUDA Yashwant Chhajta, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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CS stresses need for legal solutions to improve Court Case Management

SHIMLA-22 June, 2025-Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena emphasized the need for legal solutions to enhance the management of court cases within the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD). He urged the department's officials to take personal responsibility for the cases they are handling until these are fully resolved. While the State Government has already constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee to address this issue, the Chief Secretary stressed that proactive engagement by the concerned officers was equally important. He also advised them to stay alert to cases that are reported in the media.

The Chief Secretary was presiding over a day-long workshop organized by the HPPWD here today, which aimed at capacity building and improving court case management.

He encouraged the officials to exchange best practices and insights with their counterparts in other states to explore effective strategies. “Arbitration alone should not be our only focus. Each case must be handled with seriousness and accountability,” he said. He further added that the workshop must conclude with concrete, actionable outcomes, which should be monitored for their effectiveness over time.
Saxena also called for minimizing delays and simplifying the procedural channels involved in case resolution. He highlighted that legislative measures could be a potential long-term solution to resolve longstanding cases. Due to more public awareness the number of court cases has risen significantly. “People today have a deeper understanding of their constitutional rights, which has led to an increase in litigation cases. This calls for better preparedness and systemic improvements,” he concluded.

While welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Secretary, Public Works Department, Dr. Abhishek Jain stated that the objective of today’s workshop was to deliberate on ways to reduce discrepancies in the handling of court cases within the PWD. He emphasized that the workshop focuses on knowledge and skill up-gradation, along with practical support for the officials involved in legal matters. Dr. Jain highlighted that the total financial liability arising from already decided and ongoing land acquisition cases has been tentatively estimated at Rs. 300 crore. The liability may rise to approximately Rs.1,000 crore once all pending cases are considered. He stressed the importance of avoiding duplication of files in order to meet time-sensitive deadlines and emphasized reducing financial, compliance, and administrative costs.

During his address, Principal Secretary (Law), Sharad Kumar Lagwal, spoke about the nature of court cases being faced by the department. He remarked that it is the constitutional duty of the State to protect individual land rights. The State must ensure a proper and lawful transfer of land. While acquiring land, the department should ensure that it is free from all encumbrances, he added.

Special Secretary, PWD, Harbans Singh Brascon gave a presentation on the current scenario of court cases in the State. He elaborated on key challenges, including roads built on private land, lack of proper entries in revenue records, and legal claims for compensation by landowners. Currently, around 1,600 such cases are pending in various courts across the State.

Among other notable speakers were Retired Principal Secretary (Law) J.N. Barowalia, and District Attorney (HPPWD) Jagdish Rajta.

The post-lunch session featured panel discussions.

Advocate General, Anup Rattan emphasized on the need and importance of an effective case management system and suggested that replies to court cases should be drafted at the Headquarter level to ensure timely and appropriate defense. He stated that all departmental decisions must be backed by sound reasoning. He also discussed matters related to land acquisition and stressed that engineers of the department should acquaint themselves with the Arbitration Act.

He also distributed certificates of participation.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Surinder Pal Jagota, Engineer-in-Chief (Projects), HPPWD.