On October 2, the Himachal Pradesh government will distribute Rs 1,500
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Prelims·
DBT and social welfare schemes: a relevant GS2 case study on gender empowerment and last-mile delivery.
Why in news
The Himachal Pradesh government announced the distribution of Rs 1,500 to 2.5 lakh eligible women and free electricity to 1.80 lakh poor families under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi scheme.
Background
The Himachal Pradesh government will distribute Rs 1,500 to approximately 2.5 lakh women aged 21-60. Additionally, up to 300 units of free electricity will be provided to nearly 1.80 lakh extremely poor families.
Facts for Prelims
- SchemeIndira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi: A welfare scheme in Himachal Pradesh providing financial assistance to women.
- FactBeneficiary criteria: Women aged 21-60 and approximately 1.80 lakh extremely poor families.
- FactBenefit amount: Rs 1,500 per eligible woman and up to 300 units of free electricity.
- BodyRural Development Department: The department responsible for shortlisting beneficiaries and ensuring direct bank transfers.
Prelims practice question
Under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi scheme, how many units of free electricity are provided to extremely poor families?
- (a)500 units
- (b)100 units
- (c)150 units
- (d)300 units
Show answer
Answer: (d) 300 units — The scheme provides up to 300 units of free electricity to 1.80 lakh extremely poor families.
For Mains
Q. Examine the role of direct benefit transfers in enhancing the efficacy of welfare schemes for women and economically weaker sections in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Leakage prevention: Elimination of intermediaries through direct bank transfers to ensure intended reach
- Fiscal sustainability: Balancing high-frequency cash transfers with long-term state budgetary health
- Targeting accuracy: Challenges in identifying 'extremely poor' families for electricity subsidies
Keywords: Direct Benefit Transfer · Social Welfare · Gender Empowerment · Fiscal Federalism · Last-mile Delivery
More Social Justice notes
- Every police station in Bihar to have a Child Help Desk from Oct. 2 · 19 September 2026
- NCERT Forms Committees to Develop Economics and English Textbooks for Classes 11 and 12 · 16 September 2026
- Tripura cracks down: 19 illegal rehab centers face closure over violence, violations · 13 September 2026
- Telangana Considers Mandating 6 Months Robotic Surgery Training for Medical Students · 13 September 2026
- Solar Power to Brighten 1,900 Anganwadi Centres in Karnataka for ₹16 Crore · 12 September 2026
- Gauhati High Court Upholds Validity of Talaq-e-Hassan in Muslim Divorce Case · 12 September 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.