01.10.2017
The State Government has always given emphasis on the overall development of the State. It has been ensured that every area and every section of society is given proper attention to make Himachal Pradesh an ideal State in the country. State government has left no stone unturned to facilitate weaker sections in the State.
Humanitarian values are rooted in people of the State and Himachal Pradesh is a progressive welfare State and is considered to be one of the most developed, democratic and prosperous states in the country. Openness, equality and equal rights in terms of economic, social and gender are important values that the State government has always tried to inculcate among masses.
The State government has created an environment of democracy, justice and welfare in the State. State government has always believed that everyone should have equal opportunities. People also have a high degree of trust in the government and its various welfare schemes. State government has unflinchingly stood up to its primary responsibility of the welfare of its citizens.
The State is fully integrated in everything from trade and economy, to education and health. Through its various welfare schemes, State government has ensured that people with physical and mental challenges should have equal rights and be treated with as much respect as other people.
The egalitarian values at the root of the welfare state manifest itself through the overall developed society in many ways. Systematic efforts are made to ensure that women and men are equal when it comes to education and wages.the State Government has enhanced maternity leave from 135 days to 180 days recently. This has helped make it much easier to combine careers and family.
The Government's policy is based on equity, and charges the public sector with responsibility for ensuring that everyone, according to their capabilities, has equal opportunities to improve their living conditions and to exercise their rights and obligations as members of society. Skill Development Scheme has been introduced to hone skills of youth especially disabled youth with a provision of Rs. 1500 per month. Similarly, Unemployment Allowance has also been provided to disabled youth at Rs. 1500 per month.
To encourage the young able-bodied men/women for willingly marrying disabled of either sex, marriage grant of Rs. 25,000 for persons with 40 percent to 74 percent disability and Rs. 50,000 to for persons with 75 percent or more disability. Scholarship to the disable persons is also being given to provide financial assistance for education purposes.
To provide a safe and better home to SC/ST/OBC, the state government is providing housing subsidy of Rs. 48,000 to Rs. 75,000 for construction of new houses and also has enhanced the income ceiling for availing benefit from Rs. 17,000 to Rs. 35,000. Financial assistance to the trained applicants belonging to SC/ST/OBC for purchase of sewing machines per beneficiary has been enhanced from Rs.1500 to Rs. 1800 and for purchase of tools for carpentry, black smithing, weaving, spinning has been fixed at Rs.1300 per beneficiary with an income not exceeding more than Rs.35, 000 per annum.
A new old age home with the capacity to accommodate 50 inmates at Basantpur has been constructed with an amount of Rs.3, 66, 3900 by the state government. T.A./D.A. and maintenance expenses and transport facilities to the victims of atrocity, his/her dependent and witness has been given during the investigating and hearing the cases registered under the under Rule 11 of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities ) Act, 1989. With a view to eradicate untoucablitity and to promote social equality, inter-caste marriages are encouraged by providing an award of Rs. 50,000 to such couples who contract inter-caste marriage.
For the welfare of old age, disables and widows, under H.P. Old Age Pension and Relief to Disable Rule and Widow Scheme was introduced. Under this scheme, old age pension is being granted at Rs. 700 per month to such persons whose age is between 60-79 years with family income of Rs. 35,000 or less per annum. Similarly, Rs. 1250 per month is being provided to such persons whose age is 80 years or more without any income criteria. Under State Widow and Handicapped Pension Scheme, there is no age bar and pension is being provided at Rs. 700 per month for widow and persons with disability having disability of 40 percent to 69 percent with family income of Rs. 35,000 or less per annum. However, there is no income criterion for 70 percent and above handicapped persons except being in Government /Semi-Government/Boards/Corporations service or not having another pension and pension is being provided at Rs. 700 per month for such persons. State Government is also providing Rehabilitation allowance to lepers at Rs. 700 per month who are not in Government /Semi-Government/ Boards/ Corporation/ service or not having another pension.
Issued by:
Director,
Information and Public Relations