Ladli Lakshmi scheme triggers domicile certificate rush in Sirsa, Fatehabad

The Haryana Government has launched the Deendayal Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, providing monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,100 to women aged 18 and above, to promote women’s empowerment.

However, the requirement of a valid Haryana domicile certificate to avail the benefit has triggered heavy crowds at municipal offices in Fatehabad and Sirsa districts.

In Fatehabad, hundreds of women queued outside the municipal council office seeking domicile certificates. The rush has led to calls from residents and beneficiaries for dedicated counters or special helpdesks to streamline the process and reduce overcrowding.

Meanwhile, Sirsa has witnessed a political controversy amid the rush for domicile certificates. The Municipal Council announced a ban on former councillors using their signatures in official processes related to domicile and other services.

The move has been described as "dictatorial" by former councillors, who plan to challenge the order in court.

Neetu Soni, a former municipal councillor, said Sirsa is the first municipal council in the state to bar former councillors from involvement in official matters, sparking backlash from political groups and the public.

Responding to the rush, Executive Officer Sunil Kumar said extra staff counters were set up on the day the scheme was announced to handle services like domicile certificates. He acknowledged the surge in applications but assured that work is going on despite the crowd.

Regarding the ban on former councillors’ signing authority, Kumar stated that since new elections have been held and new councillors elected, only their approvals are valid. He explained that ward boundaries have changed with some wards merging or expanding, meaning only current councillors could provide accurate certification.

Kumar dismissed the controversy as politically motivated, stressing it is an administrative decision based on the changed electoral scenario.