Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi: Currently, both the central and state governments are running various schemes. Several initiatives provide financial assistance to women and farmers. The central government operates schemes such as the Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Mudra Loan Yojana, and the Widow Pension Scheme for women. Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to offer a significant gift to women.
On October 2, the government will provide ₹1,500 to women belonging to economically weaker sections; approximately 2.5 lakh women are set to receive this amount. Additionally, around 1.80 lakh poor families in the state will receive up to 300 units of free electricity. So far, 1.8 lakh families have been shortlisted for this free electricity benefit.
Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi
Under the ‘Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi’ scheme, ₹1,500 will be transferred to the bank accounts of eligible women aged between 21 and 60 years. The ninth phase of this scheme is expected to be completed by September 20.
According to officials, the Rural Development Department has already received about 2.41 lakh applications after verifying the eighth phase. Another 10,000 applications are expected during the ninth phase, potentially bringing the total number of beneficiaries to around 2.5 lakh.
After processing applications received in the ninth phase, the SDM is likely to release the list of eligible beneficiaries on September 25. The government will then begin preparations to transfer the financial aid directly into the bank accounts of eligible women. Women over 60 who meet the eligibility criteria are already covered under social security pension schemes.
Free Electricity for 1.8 Lakh Families
Alongside the financial assistance scheme for women, the Himachal government is also preparing to implement a scheme providing 300 units of free electricity to approximately 1.80 lakh extremely poor families. According to reports, beneficiaries have been shortlisted using data collected at the panchayat level. The Rural Development Department has also compiled a beneficiary database based on information gathered from rural areas.
Rs 1,500 to be credited to women’s accounts
The Himachal Pradesh government plans to launch both initiatives on October 2. Once the verification process is complete, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment will directly transfer Rs 1,500 to the bank accounts of eligible women. The government says the Direct Benefit Transfer system aims to ensure financial assistance reaches eligible women without middlemen.