President launches Delhi Govt’s women-centric welfare schemes

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday launched a series of women-centric welfare schemes of the Delhi Government at a ‘Sashakt Naari, Samriddh Delhi’ programme held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, calling for collective efforts to remove barriers to women empowerment.

The schemes launched include Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali for ration card holders, Saheli Pink National Common Mobility Card and transfer of over Rs 100 crore to 40,642 beneficiaries under the Ladli scheme through direct benefit transfer.

Addressing the gathering, the President described the theme of the event as timely and meaningful, stating that women continue to face violence, economic inequality, social stereotypes and health-related challenges.

“True empowerment is possible when women have the ability to make independent decisions, live with dignity and self-respect and enjoy equal rights, security and access to education,” she said.

Referring to Central initiatives such as “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”, “Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana” and “Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana”, she said these programmes had created pathways for women’s self-reliance. She also highlighted enhanced political participation through Panchayati Raj institutions and the Nari Shakti Vandan Act as steps towards women-led development.

Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena described the programme as “an important milestone in strengthening women empowerment in Delhi,” stating that the schemes launched under the President’s auspices would directly benefit lakhs of women in the Capital.

“A visionary approach is essential for empowerment. The Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana lays the foundation for making daughters self-reliant by ensuring support from birth to higher education and vocational training,” he said, adding that empowerment goes beyond financial assistance to include safety, dignity and equal participation.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta termed the occasion a historic step in Delhi’s journey towards inclusive growth. “When a daughter is empowered, families become stronger. When women become self-reliant, society becomes more confident. When women progress, the path towards a developed Delhi becomes clearer,” she said.

Calling the Saheli Pink Smart Card a “dignity card,” she said it would ensure freedom of movement and easier access to education and employment for women.

Under the “Meri Punji, Mera Adhikar” drive, Rs 100.25 crore was transferred to 40,642 girls under the Ladli scheme into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The newly introduced “Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana” will provide Rs 61,000 in staged deposits from birth until graduation, maturing to over Rs 1 lakh with interest, subject to conditions. The scheme will operate through a fully digital portal.

The Saheli Pink National Common Mobility Card will enable free travel for women in Delhi Transport Corporation buses and is envisaged to integrate with other public transport systems. Additionally, from 2026, ration card holder families will receive free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali through DBT.