Himachal Pradesh Launches Women Empowerment Scheme: The Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh has launched a new initiative called “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana” to empower women in the state.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Financial Support: The scheme will provide a monthly stipend of ₹1500 to all women between the ages of 18 and 80 years old in Himachal Pradesh.
- Beneficiaries: Around 8 lakh women are expected to benefit from this program.
- Financial Allocation: The government has allocated ₹800 crore annually to fund this initiative.
- Fulfilling Election Promises: This scheme marks the fulfillment of five out of the ten election promises made by the Congress party before the 2021 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s Statement
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced the scheme while addressing the media. He emphasized the invaluable contribution of women in the state’s development and reiterated the government’s commitment to their rights and respect.
Comparison with Karnataka’s Griha Lakshmi Yojana
This announcement comes shortly after the Karnataka government launched a similar scheme called “Griha Lakshmi Yojana” in August 2023. However, the Karnataka scheme offers a higher stipend of ₹2000 per month but has certain eligibility restrictions, excluding women whose husbands pay income tax and those with ration cards.