Himachal to re-verify beneficiaries under Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Samman Nidhi Yojana

In an effort to enhance the verification process for financial aid, the state government has introduced a new measure involving local Panchayats. All applications, including those from women who have previously benefited, will now be forwarded to the respective Panchayats. These applications will be reviewed by the Gram Sabha, and only the approved ones will be sent back to the department for the disbursement of future installments.

So far, the government has deposited ₹4,500 for three months into the accounts of 1,245 women in the district. However, with over 55,000 applications received by the District Welfare Department, the final decision on eligibility will now rest with the Gram Sabha.

District Welfare Officer Chaman Sharma emphasized that only applications approved by the Panchayats will continue to receive the Samman Nidhi. “If any beneficiary is found ineligible, they will have to return the amount they have received,” Sharma stated.

The scheme, aimed at providing financial support to women, has specific eligibility criteria. Women from families with central or state government employees, pensioners, contract workers, daily wage earners, and several other categories will not be eligible. This includes families of serving or former soldiers, Anganwadi workers, social security pension beneficiaries, and individuals registered for goods and services tax or paying income tax.

The Gram Sabha’s verification process is expected to identify ineligible recipients, ensuring that the scheme benefits those who genuinely need it while reclaiming funds from those who do not qualify.

This community-driven approach aims to ensure that financial aid reaches the right hands, supporting women who truly need it and maintaining the integrity of the scheme.