Himachal Pradesh (HP) chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 for eligible women in Kinnaur and unveiled plans to introduce geothermal heating in Reckong Peo. The twin measures were framed as efforts to balance welfare provision with sustainable infrastructure in remote hill regions. The announcements formed part of initiatives outlined during Himachal Day celebrations. The government said the actions aim to address immediate household needs and strengthen resilience.

The Rs 1,500 support will be provided under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana and is intended to strengthen financial independence among women, particularly in tribal and economically vulnerable communities. It is expected to benefit a significant number of women in Kinnaur, where access to stable income opportunities remains limited due to geographic and climatic challenges. The scheme seeks to provide predictable cash support for household expenditures and to narrow gendered income gaps.

Alongside the welfare measure, the state government has proposed a geothermal energy project for Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur, to provide a sustainable and efficient heating solution in the region. The project is designed to reduce dependence on conventional fuels and to ensure more consistent heating for residents during harsh winters when energy costs increase markedly. Officials indicated the initiative forms part of a broader push to explore alternative energy sources suited to HP's terrain.

The combined focus on direct financial support and clean energy highlights a government strategy to address immediate household needs while pursuing longer term sustainability objectives in ecologically sensitive and geographically challenging areas. The move reflects a growing recognition among state administrations of the need to integrate welfare policies with climate conscious development. Further implementation timelines and beneficiary counts were not specified in the brief release.