CM Sukhu assures pensions for all, says no beneficiary will be left out

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): CM Sukhu on Tuesday directed officials to ensure that social security pensions of all eligible beneficiaries continue without interruption and said that no eligible person should be deprived of the benefit.

Chairing a review meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Social Justice and Empowerment Department, the Chief Minister instructed the department to complete all formalities quickly so that pending eligible beneficiaries can be included under the pension schemes. He said that e-KYC of more than 7.6 lakh beneficiaries has already been completed and stressed that all remaining eligible persons should also be covered.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the Chief Minister Sukh Ashray Yojana and said that over 4,100 children are currently benefiting from the scheme. He said adequate funds have been provided for its effective implementation and directed officials to organise regular educational and recreational tours for children. He also sought reports from districts where such tours have not yet been conducted.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government is committed to welfare programmes and assured that there is no shortage of funds for such schemes. He added that 10 percent of the Local Area Development Fund has been earmarked for the welfare of orphaned children.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which provides financial and educational assistance to children of widows, destitute or divorced women and differently-abled parents. He said more than 21,000 beneficiaries are currently covered under the scheme and adequate funds have been allocated for its implementation.

The Chief Minister said the government will continue to provide sufficient financial support for welfare schemes in the future to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive assistance.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil and senior officials were also present at the meeting.