Himachal Government Launches Maharishi Valmiki Kamgaar Awas Yojana
Eligible sanitation workers will receive Rs 3 lakh to build permanent homes, while the state announces Rs 25 lakh for Bhagwan Valmiki Temple in Shimla.
SHIMLA, Oct 26: The Himachal Pradesh government has launched the Maharishi Valmiki Kamgaar Awas Yojana to provide financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh to eligible sanitation workers from the Valmiki community for constructing permanent houses, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Monday.
Under the scheme, families must have an annual income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh and should not own a pucca house to qualify for the assistance, the chief minister said.
Sukhu made the announcement on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. He visited Bhagwan Valmiki Temple in Krishna Nagar, Shimla, to pay his respects and conveyed his greetings to the people.
The chief minister also announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the temple, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting equality, dignity and opportunities for communities that have long resided in Krishna Nagar.
He said the government would conduct a survey of families and houses in the locality to assess their needs and explore the formulation of a dedicated welfare plan for their benefit.
Describing Maharishi Valmiki as an eminent figure in India’s cultural, literary and spiritual traditions, Sukhu said his composition of the Ramayana conveyed enduring values of truth, justice, compassion, sacrifice and duty. These principles, he added, continue to inspire society.
The chief minister emphasised that development could be considered meaningful only when every section of society had access to equal opportunities and no individual was excluded because of social or economic disadvantages.
He said the Congress party believed in the Constitution and its principles, adding that the state government remained committed to advancing social justice, equality and dignity for all citizens.
Sukhu further stated that his government was undertaking continuous efforts to improve the welfare and living conditions of the Valmiki community.
Earlier, the chief minister inaugurated a medical camp in Krishna Nagar as part of the day’s programme.
The housing initiative is aimed at helping eligible families secure permanent homes and improve their living conditions through targeted financial support.
