Great news for women in Himachal Pradesh! The wait is over – applications for the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi” scheme, offering a monthly stipend of ₹1,500, have officially begun. This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower women by providing much-needed financial assistance. Let’s delve deeper into the scheme’s details and guide you through the application process.
Who Can Apply?
This scheme extends a helping hand to women between 18 and 59 years old residing in Himachal Pradesh. However, there’s a crucial point to remember: only women who don’t receive regular income from the government are eligible. This ensures the scheme reaches those who need it most.
Here’s a handy table summarizing the eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 59 years old (as of March 31, 2023) |
| Income Status | No regular income from Central or State Government |
| Domicile | Permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh |
Documents Required for Application:
- Completed application form (available for free at District Welfare Officer and Tehsil Welfare Officer offices, or downloadable from the departmental website)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Valid age proof document (e.g., Aadhaar card, birth certificate)
- Domicile certificate
- Photocopy of bank/post office account passbook (showing account number)
- Photocopy of Aadhaar Card
- Photocopy of ration card
- In case of Buddhist nuns, a certificate issued by the Panchayat or head nun of a Buddhist monastery
Important Points to Remember:
- Incomplete applications will be returned within 15 days for correction.
- Every year, 10-25% of beneficiaries will be chosen for random verification.
- Applications are being accepted at Tehsil Welfare Officer offices.
Family Members Excluded from the Scheme:
The scheme excludes women whose families include members falling under the following categories:
- Central or State government employees (current or retired)
- Contractual, outsourced, daily wage, or part-time employees working for the government
- Serving or retired defence personnel and widows
- Anganwadi workers/helpers receiving honorarium
- Asha workers
- Mid-day meal workers, multi-task workers
- Social security pension beneficiaries
- Employees of Panchayati Raj institutions or urban local bodies
- Employees of various Central/State government undertakings, boards, councils, and agencies (current or retired)
- Women working in public undertakings or registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Families of income tax payers
How This Scheme Empowers Women:
The “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi” scheme is a significant step towards women’s empowerment in Himachal Pradesh. By providing a monthly stipend, it offers:
- Financial independence: The ₹1,500 can significantly contribute to household expenses and empower women to make financial decisions.
- Improved living standards: This financial assistance can help meet basic needs, improve the quality of life, and reduce financial stress.
- Increased participation: Financial security can encourage women to participate more actively in social and economic spheres.
Conclusion:
The “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi” scheme is a welcome initiative by the Himachal Pradesh government. It demonstrates a commitment to women’s well-being and financial empowerment. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply today and start receiving your monthly ₹1,500 stipend!
