Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Taking a progressive step towards social inclusion, the Himachal Pradesh Government, under the leadership of CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has decided the reservation of one seat per course for orphaned students across all government, government-aided and private technical education institutions in the State. This applies to Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, engineering colleges, and pharmacy institutes of the State.
The initiative aims to provide equitable access to quality technical education for orphaned children, who are among the most vulnerable sections of society. By eliminating structural and financial barriers, the government seeks to offer these students a fair and dignified opportunity to pursue their career aspirations.
A government spokesperson stated that admissions under this new category would be based strictly on merit, with eligibility determined through verification by competent authorities. Importantly, this move does not involve increasing the total number of sanctioned seats or imposing any additional infrastructural or financial burden on institutions. Instead, it focuses on better utilization of existing resources to promote inclusivity without compromising quality.
This initiative aligns with the broader vision of the present State Government to empower underprivileged communities. It complements other welfare efforts, notably the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashrya Yojna, a flagship scheme under which orphaned children have been granted the status of “Children of the State.” This designation entrusts the Government with the responsibility for their comprehensive care, education, and well-being up to the age of 27 years. Himachal Pradesh is the first state nationwide to grant legal rights to the orphans by enacting a law in this regard, so that they are empowered to lead a life of dignity and purpose.