What this scheme offers
A widow, a destitute woman, a divorced mother, or a parent with a disability can face genuine strain in keeping a child's education and daily needs consistently funded, even when the family is very much intact and the parent very much present. Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana addresses that specific gap — one Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana, built for orphaned children under full state care, isn't designed to cover — with ₹1,000 a month for children under 18 from these households, plus separate financial assistance toward higher education costs once a child reaches that stage. Launched with an annual budget of ₹53.21 crore, the scheme aims to reach around 23,000 children.
Who is eligible
- Child under 18, resident in Himachal Pradesh, from a family headed by a widow, destitute woman, divorced woman, or parent with a disability.
- Family meets the income/eligibility criteria set by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- For higher education assistance: child has completed Class 12 and is pursuing further study.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card (child and parent/guardian)
- Widow/divorce certificate or disability certificate of the parent, as applicable
- Income certificate
- Bank account details (Aadhaar-linked)
- Admission/enrollment proof for higher education assistance
How to apply
- Apply through your local Social Justice and Empowerment office or Gram Panchayat.
- Submit the parent's status documentation (widow/divorce/disability certificate) along with income proof.
- The application is verified locally against the scheme's eligibility criteria.
- Once approved, ₹1,000/month is credited via DBT for children under 18.
- Apply separately for higher education financial assistance once your child reaches that stage, through the same department office.