Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi: Governments at both the central and state levels run several welfare programmes aimed at supporting women, farmers and economically weaker sections. While schemes such as the Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Mudra Loan Yojana and Widow Pension Scheme provide different forms of assistance to women, the Himachal Pradesh government is now preparing to roll out another major benefit.
Under the state’s Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Scheme, eligible women are set to receive ₹1,500 directly in their bank accounts. The government is also preparing to provide up to 300 units of free electricity to around 1.80 lakh extremely poor families.
Both initiatives are planned to be launched on October 2.
₹1,500 Financial Assistance Under Pyari Behna Scheme
The Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi scheme provides financial support to eligible women between 21 and 60 years of age.
Under the upcoming ninth phase, the government is preparing to transfer ₹1,500 to the bank accounts of qualifying beneficiaries.
Officials are expected to complete the ninth-phase process by September 20. Following verification of applications, the eligible beneficiaries’ list is likely to be released by the concerned SDM on September 25.
The government will then proceed with preparations for transferring the assistance directly to beneficiaries.
Around 2.5 Lakh Women May Receive ₹1,500
The number of beneficiaries is expected to reach approximately 2.5 lakh women.
According to officials, around 2.41 lakh applications had already been received by the Rural Development Department following verification during the eighth phase. A further 10,000 applications are expected to be processed during the ninth phase.
If these applications meet the eligibility requirements, the total number of women receiving the benefit could rise to nearly 2.5 lakh.
Women above the age of 60 who fulfil the applicable conditions are already covered through various social security pension schemes.
Free Electricity Scheme for 1.8 Lakh Poor Families
The Himachal Pradesh government is also working on another welfare measure for economically disadvantaged households.
Under the proposed initiative, approximately 1.80 lakh extremely poor families will be eligible for up to 300 units of free electricity.
The beneficiaries have reportedly been identified using information collected at the panchayat level. The Rural Development Department has compiled a database using details gathered from villages and other rural areas.
The initiative is intended to provide additional financial relief to families facing economic difficulties by reducing their electricity expenses.
When Will the ₹1,500 Be Credited?
The Himachal Pradesh government plans to launch both welfare initiatives on October 2.
Before the financial assistance is released, applications under the Pyari Behna scheme will undergo the required verification process. Once eligible beneficiaries are finalised, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is expected to transfer ₹1,500 directly into their bank accounts.
The government is using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism to ensure that the money reaches eligible women directly, without the involvement of intermediaries.
What Is the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Scheme?
The scheme is a Himachal Pradesh government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to eligible women. Under the programme, qualifying women in the 21-60 age group receive periodic financial support directly through their bank accounts.
The upcoming ninth phase is expected to expand the number of beneficiaries after applications are verified and eligible women are included in the final list.
Key Details at a Glance
| Scheme/Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi |
| Financial Assistance | ₹1,500 |
| Eligible Age Group | 21 to 60 years |
| Expected Women Beneficiaries | Around 2.5 lakh |
| Ninth Phase | Expected to be completed by September 20 |
| Expected Beneficiary List | September 25 |
| Planned Launch | October 2 |
| Electricity Benefit | Up to 300 units free |
| Expected Electricity Beneficiaries | Around 1.80 lakh poor families |
Direct Bank Transfer to Ensure Transparency
The government plans to use the DBT system for distributing the ₹1,500 assistance. This approach is intended to make the payment process more transparent and ensure that financial support reaches the intended beneficiaries directly.
With the ninth phase underway, eligible women and families shortlisted for the electricity benefit are now awaiting the final verification and implementation process.
Important: The ₹1,500 payment and free electricity benefits are subject to the applicable eligibility criteria and completion of the government’s verification process.