The Himachal government on Sunday said under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu long-awaited decisions have brought smiles to the faces of every Himachali.
The statement, listed all the initiatives of the new government after it took over last month.
It said the state Cabinet in its first meeting, not only restored the old pension scheme as promised but also constituted cabinet sub-committees to provide Rs 1500 per month to women and to create one lakh employment opportunities. The sub-committee has been directed to submit report within a month.
"Restoration of old pension scheme has provided 1.36 lakh employees of the state the strength which would give them the right to live with self-respect in old age," the government statement said.
Immediately after taking over as Chief Minister, he aimed for providing support to the weak and neglected sections of society. His first visit was to Balika Ashram located in Tutikandi, Shimla where he after inspecting the Ashram and interacting with inmates, gave instructions to provide better facilities in various Ashrams so that every girl child living in there may get better life and environ to live. For the institutional care of girls and other destitute people, it was decided to provide a festival grant of Rs. 500.
To provide higher education to the needy children and secure their future and to provide shelter to the destitute women, the state government decided to set up 'Chief Minister Sukhashray Sahayata Kosh' with an outlay of Rs. 101 crore. This Kosh will make the society aware that helping needy children and destitute women is not a pity but is their right. In the 'Chief Minister's Sukhashray Sahayata Kosh', all the MLAs of the ruling party will contribute their one month's salary.
The Chief Minister has already donated his first salary towards this Kosh. All the MLAs of the Opposition have also been urged to provide the same for the fund. Efforts will be made to seek financial assistance for the fund under Corporate Social Responsibility from industry and from philanthropists.
In view of the winter season, the Chief Minister has issued clear instructions to all the Deputy Commissioners to provide shelter to the destitute and keep them safe.