The district administration in Una, Himachal Pradesh, has announced an expansion of the ‘Samarthya Program,’ introducing two new components aimed at providing financial assistance to girls from economically disadvantaged families.
Deputy Commissioner of Una and 2016 batch IAS officer Jatin Lal inaugurated these new components, emphasizing that this initiative will help ensure that financial constraints do not impede their preparation for NEET and UPSC examinations.
Under the expanded Samarthya Program, eligible girls can receive financial aid of up to ₹1 lakh to support their preparation for these competitive exams. The new initiative is designed to assist those who aspire to become doctors or civil servants but face financial challenges.
Mr Lal highlighted that this extension of the Samarthya Program aligns with its broader objective of empowering youth and women, promoting community development, and supporting various societal segments. He stated that the program targets girls whose fathers have passed away or are severely disabled (more than 70 percent), and who are currently pursuing graduation. Additionally, the family’s annual income must not exceed ₹50,000, and applicants should not have benefited from any other financial scheme. Eligible candidates must be under 24 years of age and permanent residents of Una district.
For more information or to apply for this assistance, interested individuals can contact Room No. 413 at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Currently, the Samarthya Program also provides up to ₹2 lakh in financial aid for higher education and support for the marriage of daughters from poor families. Deputy Commissioner Lal has called on residents of Una district to contribute to this initiative according to their capacity, encouraging community involvement and support.
