Haryana Announces ‘Lado Lakshmi Yojana’

Introduction

In a landmark move to promote women’s empowerment and financial independence, the Haryana government has announced the launch of the ‘Lado Lakshmi Yojana’. Under this scheme, eligible women in the state will receive ₹2,100 every month, starting September 25, 2025. The initiative is designed to strengthen women’s participation in household decision-making and provide them with a steady financial safety net.

Key Features of Lado Lakshmi Yojana

• Monthly Allowance: Each eligible woman will get ₹2,100 credited directly into her bank account.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Ensures transparency and prevents leakages.

• Implementation Date: Scheme will officially roll out from 25th September 2025.

• Target Group: Women from economically weaker sections and marginalized families in Haryana.

• Social Empowerment Goal: Enhance women’s financial independence and promote gender equality.

Objectives of the Scheme

1. Women’s Financial Security: Provide regular income support to reduce dependency.

2. Encouraging Savings & Investment: Extra income helps women contribute to family welfare.

3. Strengthening Social Equity: Targeting women from disadvantaged communities to reduce socio-economic disparities.

4. Gender Empowerment: Aligns with India’s broader goal of inclusive development (Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas).

Wider Policy Context

• National Linkages: The scheme complements central initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, and PM Poshan Abhiyaan, which focus on improving women’s welfare.

• State Precedents: Other states such as Madhya Pradesh (Ladli Laxmi Yojana) and Rajasthan (Mukhyamantri Digital Seva Yojana) also provide similar support for women’s empowerment.

• Constitutional Backing: Relates to Article 15(3) which empowers the state to make special provisions for women and children.

Significance for Haryana

• According to NFHS-5 (2019-21), only 35% of women in Haryana reported being involved in major household decisions. A scheme like Lado Lakshmi Yojana can boost their bargaining power.

• Haryana has historically faced challenges of low female labour force participation and a skewed sex ratio (926 females per 1000 males in 2011 Census). Targeted welfare schemes can help change the socio-economic narrative.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections.

• GS Paper I: Issues relating to women empowerment.

• Essay Paper: Social justice and inclusive growth.

Conclusion

The Lado Lakshmi Yojana represents Haryana’s commitment to empowering women by providing them with direct financial assistance. If implemented effectively, the scheme can play a crucial role in enhancing gender equity, reducing financial dependency, and creating a more inclusive society.