Baby Orphaned in Floods Gets Lifeline from State
Himachal Pradesh Government Adopts 10-Month-Old Neetika
In a heart-wrenching tragedy, 10-month-old Neetika was orphaned after a devastating cloudburst triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. The disaster, which struck Talwara village on the night of June 30, claimed the life of her father, Ramesh, 31, while her mother, Radha Devi, 24, and grandmother, Purnu Devi, 59, remain missing.
The infant has now been declared a “child of the state” under the Himachal Pradesh government’s Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Yojana. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, speaking to PTI Videos, affirmed the state’s commitment: “We will fully support Neetika’s upbringing, education, and future aspirations—be it becoming a doctor, engineer, or officer.”
The Sukh-Ashray scheme, launched in 2023, provides comprehensive support for orphans, including food, shelter, clothing, higher education, and skill development for those aged 18 to 27. Benefits also include festival allowances, stipends for personal expenses, vocational training, startup funds, and grants for housing.
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On the night of the tragedy, Neetika was found crying alone by neighbor Prem Singh, who alerted her relative Balwant, a security officer for former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. The infant is now under the care of her aunt, Kirna Devi, in Shikauri village, 20 km from Talwara.
The state’s pledge offers hope for Neetika’s future, ensuring she receives the care and opportunities needed to thrive despite her tragic loss.
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