Punjab Newsline | Shimla
Himachal Pradesh government is set to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to nearly 2.5 lakh women and free electricity of up to 300 units to around 1.80 lakh economically weaker families from October 2.
Under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, women aged between 21 and 60 years will receive ₹1,500 per month directly in their bank accounts. Women above 60 years of age are already covered under the state’s pension schemes.
The scheme is currently in its ninth phase. Following verification in the eighth phase, the Rural Development Department has received over 2.41 lakh applications. The ninth phase will conclude on September 20, and officials expect nearly 10,000 more applications, taking the total number of beneficiaries close to 2.5 lakh. Notifications for applicants under the ninth phase will be issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) on September 25.
The state government has also shortlisted around 1.80 lakh families that will be eligible for up to 300 units of free electricity every month. Beneficiary data for both schemes has been prepared by the Rural Development Department based on information collected at the panchayat level.
After the verification process is completed, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment will transfer the financial assistance directly to eligible women through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring that beneficiaries receive the full amount without any intermediaries.
Officials said departmental preparations have been intensified to implement both welfare initiatives from October 2. The government aims to provide direct financial support to economically vulnerable women while also reducing the electricity burden on low-income households.
With the launch of the two schemes on the same day, lakhs of residents across Himachal Pradesh are expected to benefit from what the government describes as two major welfare measures.
