Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed financial assistance under multiple welfare schemes during Himachal Pradesh’s state-level Independence Day function in Barsar.

Sukhu Releases Rs 20.61 Crore on Independence Day

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday distributed financial assistance worth more than Rs 20.61 crore to 4,967 beneficiaries during the state-level Independence Day function at Barsar in Hamirpur district.

The assistance was provided under various welfare schemes administered by the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, covering education, marriage, healthcare, maternity, funeral assistance and other needs.

Marriage Assistance Benefits 1,758

Under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, 1,758 beneficiaries received Rs 8.98 crore.

The financial support is aimed at helping eligible construction workers and their families meet expenses associated with marriage. The scheme formed the largest single component of the assistance distributed during the ceremony.

Education Support for 2,788 Beneficiaries

The Education Assistance Scheme benefited 2,788 people, with Rs 7.89 crore distributed under the programme.

The assistance is intended to support the educational needs of eligible beneficiaries and their families, providing financial relief for education-related expenses.

Medical, Funeral and Maternity Aid

The welfare package also included assistance for medical treatment, death and funeral expenses, and maternity and paternity needs.

Seventeen beneficiaries received Rs 3.54 lakh in medical assistance, while 60 beneficiaries received Rs 1.49 crore under the Death and Funeral Assistance Scheme.

Another 109 beneficiaries received Rs 38.02 lakh under the Maternity and Paternity Assistance Scheme.

Support Extended for Housing and Disability

Financial assistance was also provided for house construction and to people requiring support because of disability.

According to the details released at the event, 68 beneficiaries received Rs 89.77 lakh for house construction, while 63 beneficiaries were provided Rs 12 lakh under the Mentally Disabled Assistance Scheme.

Additional assistance was extended to women and families under other welfare programmes.

Sukhu Honours Retired Doctor

During the Independence Day programme, Chief Minister Sukhu also honoured Dr Rajendra Kanwar, a 77-year-old retired Senior Medical Officer.

Kanwar was recognised for donating movable and immovable property valued at more than Rs 80 crore to Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College and Hospital in Hamirpur. Sukhu described the contribution as an example of social commitment and service to humanity.

Welfare Schemes Highlighted on Independence Day

The distribution of financial assistance was a major part of Himachal Pradesh’s state-level Independence Day programme. The government used the occasion to highlight welfare measures aimed at supporting construction workers and their families.

The assistance across multiple categories reflects the state’s focus on providing targeted financial support for education, marriage, healthcare, housing and other essential needs.

Sukhu also made several announcements in his Independence Day address, including that government doctors would not retire until March 31, 2027, while salary arrears for Class IV employees would also be released.