Hamirpur: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed financial assistance worth more than Rs 20.61 crore to 4,967 beneficiaries during the 80th state-level Independence Day celebrations held at Barsar in Hamirpur district.
The assistance was provided under various welfare schemes of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, with a significant share going towards marriage and educational support for workers and their families.
Under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, 1,758 beneficiaries received a combined assistance of Rs 8.98 crore, while 2,788 beneficiaries were provided Rs 7.89 crore under the Education Assistance Scheme. A further 17 beneficiaries received Rs 3.54 lakh towards medical assistance.
The government also extended financial support to families facing bereavement and other difficult circumstances. Under the Death and Funeral Assistance Scheme, 60 beneficiaries received Rs 1.49 crore. Another 109 beneficiaries were provided Rs 38.02 lakh under the Maternity and Paternity Assistance Scheme.
Support was also extended to workers seeking to build homes. As many as 68 beneficiaries received Rs 89.77 lakh under the Housing Construction Assistance Scheme.
Among other welfare measures, 63 beneficiaries received Rs 12 lakh under the Disability Assistance Scheme, while 61 single, abandoned and differently abled women were provided financial assistance amounting to Rs 61 lakh.
Under the Infant Birth Gift Scheme, 39 beneficiaries received Rs 19.89 lakh.
The distribution of assistance formed an important part of the state-level Independence Day programme, highlighting the government’s focus on extending welfare support directly to eligible sections of society, particularly workers and economically vulnerable families.
A major highlight of the celebrations was the recognition of Dr Rajendra Kanwar, a 77-year-old retired senior medical officer, for his exceptional contribution to society.
Dr Kanwar has donated his entire movable and immovable property, valued at more than Rs 80 crore, to Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College and Hospital in Hamirpur. The donation is being viewed as an exceptional act of social commitment and public service, with the contribution expected to support the state’s medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
Chief Minister Sukhu praised Dr Kanwar’s decision, describing it as an inspiring example of social responsibility and dedication to humanity. The recognition added a distinctive dimension to the Independence Day celebrations, placing philanthropy and public service alongside the traditional commemorations of the freedom struggle.
The Chief Minister also honoured the families of freedom fighters during the ceremony, acknowledging the sacrifices associated with India’s independence movement and the contribution of those who participated in the struggle for freedom.
The occasion also saw the launch of the song ‘Woh Ruka Nahin’, adding a cultural element to the state-level celebrations.
Participants in the Independence Day parade and cultural programmes were also felicitated with awards. The Chief Minister appreciated their enthusiastic participation and contribution to the successful conduct of the state-level event.
The celebrations at Barsar thus brought together welfare delivery, recognition of public service, remembrance of freedom fighters and cultural programmes, with the distribution of financial assistance emerging as one of the key highlights of the state’s Independence Day programme.
