Himachal Pradesh: The Department of Information and Public Relations is using folk media to raise awareness about the state government’s welfare schemes in Sirmaur district. The initiative aims to inform the public about programmes for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and minority communities, promoting equality and inclusiveness. Folk media groups performed at Gram Panchayat Sangrah and Andheri of Sangrah block as well as Sirmauri Mandir and Jaihar of Pachhad block. Aarushi Gramin Sansthan Kala Manch and Aarohi Kala Manch presented attractive programmes to inform the public. The performances highlighted various government schemes, including the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan, which has a budget allocation of Rs 2,483.20 crore.
Under this scheme, an incentive of Rs 50,000 is provided to those who marry inter-caste. Other key initiatives included in the programme include the Indira Gandhi Priya Bahana Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana, under which 4,128 eligible women in the district are given a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500, and the Swarn Jayanti Ashray Yojana, under which financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh is given for building houses. Additionally, the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana provides 50 per cent subsidy for purchasing e-taxis, thereby promoting youth entrepreneurship. Local leaders and community members, including the Panchayat Pradhan, Secretary and Mahila Mandal representatives, participated in the programmes. Through folk music, plays and interactive sessions, the programmes effectively communicated key messages and received positive response for their innovative approach. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensure that welfare schemes reach even the most remote areas, thereby promoting development and social equality across the state.
