Chandigarh, Sep 25 (NationPress) Celebrating the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the Haryana government has dedicated this day to the themes of development, uplifting the most marginalized individuals, and fostering women's empowerment.

During a state-level event in Panchkula, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini introduced the ambitious 'Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana', which aims to enhance the economic and social status of women. A dedicated mobile application was also launched to facilitate the implementation of this scheme, designed to bolster women's standing in society.

To ease the application process, the Chief Minister announced a toll-free number, 18001802231, and a helpline at 01724880500.

During the event, the live registration of five eligible women under the scheme was conducted.

He mentioned that shortly after the app's launch, nearly 50,000 women had downloaded it, with around 8,000 women already submitting their applications.

Additionally, to enhance the state's infrastructure and health services, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 326.25 crore. This included 31 health initiatives costing Rs 78.04 crore, 97 projects valued at Rs 78.12 crore, and renovations for 10 health institutions costing Rs 80.72 crore.

Furthermore, foundation stones were laid for projects from the Public Works Department and Urban Local Bodies, totaling Rs 89.37 crore.

The Chief Minister highlighted that in the initial phase, nearly 20 lakh women in Haryana will benefit from the scheme. This initiative is open to both married and unmarried women aged between 23 and 60 years, from families with an annual income of up to Rs 1 lakh. Eligible beneficiaries will receive Rs 2,100 monthly directly into their bank accounts via direct benefit transfer (DBT). Importantly, any number of eligible women from the same household can avail of this assistance.

The government has allocated an annual budget of Rs 5,000 crore for this initiative for the year 2025-26.

CM Saini emphasized that the scheme has been launched with a focus on transparency and simplicity. All processes including application, verification, and grievance redressal will be managed through the mobile app.

Women can apply directly from their mobile devices at home, eliminating the need to visit common service centers or government offices. Those eligible as of September 25 can begin their applications immediately, while others can apply as they become eligible, he stated.

The Chief Minister encouraged girls under 23 years to celebrate their 23rd birthdays by applying for this scheme.

Furthermore, he noted that the launch of the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana fulfills the 42nd promise out of 217 commitments outlined in the government's 'Sankalp Patra'.

He assured that 90 commitments will be completed by the end of this year.

In his remarks on the occasion of 'Sharadiya Navratras' and the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, CM Saini stated that Deen Dayal Upadhyaya believed that a nation's greatness is rooted in the safety, education, and respect for its women.

The government, he affirmed, is committed to ensuring that women and daughters are economically empowered, self-sufficient, and active contributors to society.