The Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh introduced this scheme as a pre-election promise to gain support from the female electorate. The objective was to provide direct financial assistance to women, helping them manage daily expenses and become financially self-reliant.

After coming to power, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterated his commitment to the scheme, and applications were invited from eligible women across the state. However, since its launch, the scheme has faced delays, verification issues, and fund disbursement problems, making it a controversial topic.

Eligibility Criteria Modifications

The scheme was initially designed to benefit all women aged 18 to 59 years. However, the government later modified the eligibility criteria, significantly reducing the number of beneficiaries.

Under the new guidelines, only one woman per family is eligible to receive financial assistance. Additionally, government employees, pensioners, contractual workers, daily wagers, and income taxpayers are now excluded from the scheme. These changes have frustrated many applicants, especially those who were previously eligible but later disqualified due to the new restrictions.

Verification and Disbursement Delays

The verification process for applicants has been slow and inefficient, leading to widespread frustration among beneficiaries. As of July 31, 2024, approximately 788,784 women had applied for the scheme. However, only 28,249 women have received the promised financial assistance, while 2,384 applications were rejected due to ineligibility.

The verification process includes various approval stages, involving review by local Gram Sabhas, which has led to considerable delays. In certain instances, women who had previously received funding were subsequently deemed ineligible and requested to reimburse the released funds, further complicating the confusion and frustration associated with the scheme.
 

Political and Administrative Challenges

The implementation of the scheme has faced numerous political and administrative challenges, further complicating the process.

The scheme was launched just before the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) due to upcoming elections. As a result, the Election Commission directed the state government to halt the processing of new applications, leading to further delays. Opposition parties have criticized the government, accusing it of using the scheme as an electoral strategy rather than a genuine welfare initiative.

The delay in fund distribution and uncertainty over eligibility have raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.

Beneficiary Experiences

The slow implementation and verification challenges have led to mixed experiences among applicants, with many facing unanticipated issues.

Some women received the initial payments, only to find that their accounts were later frozen, preventing further disbursements. Others were asked to return the money after being declared ineligible, creating financial distress for those who had already used the funds. Many applicants are still waiting for approval, with no clarity on when or if they will receive the promised assistance.

These inconsistencies have eroded public confidence in the scheme, as women who expected financial relief are now left struggling with uncertainty.

Government’s Response

In response to the mounting criticism, the state government has taken corrective measures to improve the scheme's execution and address public concerns.

The eligibility criteria have been clarified to reduce confusion among applicants. Efforts have been made to speed up the verification process, with local administrative bodies playing a more active role in approvals. Additionally, the government has introduced alternative financial assistance programs, such as a ₹4 lakh grant for house construction under the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.