In a major step to strengthen women’s rights and opportunities, President Droupadi Murmu launched four welfare schemes aimed at improving safety, mobility, education, and financial security for women and girls in Delhi. The event, held at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, saw the presence of senior officials, including Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena.
One of the flagship initiatives, the Pink Saheli Smart Card, promises safer and more convenient travel for women. Eligible women and transgender residents can now travel free on Delhi public buses and use the card for metro rides and the Regional Rapid Transit System. The cashless system is designed to make daily commutes easier, safer, and more inclusive.
The Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana aims to secure the future of girls from birth. Through scheduled deposits, each girl’s account will grow to over ₹1 lakh by age 21, providing financial support for higher education or vocational training. The scheme encourages families to invest in their daughters’ education and independence, giving girls a tangible foundation for their future.
Another initiative, Meri Punji, Mera Adhikaar, is focused on ensuring women receive pending financial entitlements promptly. At the launch, over ₹100 crore was directly transferred to more than 40,000 girls’ bank accounts, covering benefits from schemes like Delhi Ladli. This step ensures that funds reach the intended recipients quickly, improving trust and accessibility.
Additionally, a free LPG cylinder scheme will help ease household expenses, particularly during festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Eligible families will receive the monetary equivalent of two cylinders annually through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), reducing the burden of fuel costs for daily cooking.
President Murmu highlighted that women’s safety, independence, and access to opportunities are key to societal progress. She stressed that these schemes are not just programs; they are steps toward dignity, empowerment, and equality for women. By combining financial support, education, and mobility, the initiatives aim to create an environment where women can thrive safely and confidently in every aspect of life.
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