President Droupadi Murmu Unveils Major Women Empowerment Initiatives in Delhi
In a significant move to bolster women's rights and economic independence in the national capital, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday inaugurated four pivotal welfare schemes introduced by the Delhi government. These initiatives are designed to ensure "dignity, economic independence, and social respect for women", marking a crucial step towards gender equality and empowerment in the region.
Key Welfare Schemes Launched
The launch event, which also commemorated the anniversary of the BJP government formed on February 20, 2025, featured the following programs:
- Pink Saheli National Common Mobility Card: This smart card enables women to enjoy free travel on public buses, replacing the traditional paper 'pink slips'. The card facilitates seamless, cashless, and paperless journeys, enhancing safe and affordable mobility for female residents.
- Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana: Aimed at supporting the girl child, this scheme provides staged deposits in the name of each eligible girl from birth, accumulating to over Rs 1 lakh by the time she turns 21. The funds are intended to support higher education or vocational training, fostering long-term financial security.
- Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG Cylinders: Under this initiative, the Delhi government transferred Rs 130 crore into the accounts of ration card-holding families to assist with purchasing LPG cylinders. Additionally, each poor family in Delhi will receive Rs 850 through direct benefit transfer every Holi and Diwali, a promise made by the BJP ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.
- Meri Punji, Mera Adhikar Drive: As part of this campaign, over Rs 100 crore was directly transferred to 40,642 beneficiaries of the Delhi Ladli Scheme, providing immediate financial relief and support.
President Murmu's Vision for Women Empowerment
During the event, President Murmu emphasized that a developed India by 2047 is achievable only when women are empowered with dignity, security, and equal opportunities. She expressed confidence that these welfare schemes would significantly contribute to building a prosperous Delhi by empowering its sisters and daughters.
"Today, women are excelling in every field, but it is also a fact that they still face violence, economic inequality, social stereotypes, and health-related neglect. The goal of women's empowerment can only be achieved by removing these obstacles," the President stated. She further highlighted that true empowerment involves the ability to make independent decisions, live with self-respect, and access equal opportunities and security, which can positively impact society and future generations.
Murmu also stressed that women's empowerment is not solely the government's responsibility but a collective duty of every member and institution in society. "Delhi is the capital of the country. If the women of Delhi are safe, educated, and self-reliant, and provide confident leadership in every sphere of society, it will send a positive message throughout the country," she added.
Implementation and Beneficiary Reactions
From March 3, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will begin issuing Pink Saheli cards through 50 authorized centers. The cards will be available over the counter following Aadhaar-based verification at DM and SDM offices, as well as DTC depots in locations such as Nehru Place, Kashmiri Gate, Dwarka, Rohini, and Jamia. Until this process is completed, women can continue to use pink slips for free travel.
At the launch, President Murmu handed over Pink Saheli cards to some women, symbolizing the start of distribution. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that empowered women will contribute to a prosperous Delhi, ultimately aiding India's development into a developed nation.
Richa Singh, a resident of Badarpur who attended the event, shared her experience: "Several women in my area have received the amount directly in their bank accounts. This will help with the household budget as festival-related costs often strain monthly finances of poor families." Her comments reflect the immediate relief and support these schemes provide to communities.
Event Attendees and Broader Impact
The launch was attended by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and numerous beneficiaries of the schemes. This gathering underscored the collaborative effort between government officials and citizens in advancing women's welfare.
These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges women face, from economic disparities to mobility issues. By integrating technology, financial aid, and educational support, the Delhi government aims to create an environment where women can thrive and lead with confidence, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
