Shimla, Dec. 28 -- The Himachal Pradesh government has intensified its focus on inclusive governance and social protection through the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana, a flagship initiative aimed at providing long-term security to orphaned and vulnerable children.
A government official today said that under the scheme, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to enact a dedicated law for the welfare of orphans, legally adopting them as "Children of the State".
The legislation designates the state government as their lawful guardian and provides rights-based protection covering education, housing, skill development and social security.
Nearly 6,000 orphan children have been formally adopted under the programme. The legal...