Uttarakhand CM Dhami Transfers Rs 145.9 Crore to Girls Under Nanda Gaura Yojana
In a significant move to bolster social welfare, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday directly transferred Rs 145.9 crore into the bank accounts of 33,251 girls under the state's flagship Nanda Gaura Yojana for the 2025-26 financial year. The funds were disbursed through a direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanism, marking a key component of the government's efforts to enhance gender equality and support female education.
Beneficiary Details and Financial Support
Of the total beneficiaries, 5,913 newborn girls received Rs 11,000 each, aimed at encouraging the birth of girls and reducing discrimination at birth. Meanwhile, 27,338 girls who have passed Class 12 were granted Rs 51,000 each to support their higher education pursuits. This financial assistance is designed to address gender disparity and promote educational advancement among young women in the state.
CM Dhami's Statement on the Scheme
During a program held at the Chief Minister's residence in Dehradun, Dhami emphasized the scheme's objectives. "To eliminate discrimination between sons and daughters at birth and to encourage the birth of girls, the state government is operating the Nanda Gaura Yojana," he stated. He further highlighted that the government is also working to strengthen women's economic conditions through initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi scheme.
Dhami added that the Nanda Gaura scheme has been successful in achieving its goals, which include stopping female foeticide, encouraging institutional delivery, promoting girl child education, and removing gender inequality in society. The scheme is part of a broader strategy to foster a more inclusive and equitable social environment.
Political Context and Criticism
While the DBT rollout has been welcomed across much of the state as a boost to girls' education and welfare, its timing has sparked debate. The transfer comes ahead of next year's assembly elections, leading critics to point to recent judicial commentary on pre-poll freebies and direct transfers. A three-member bench of the Supreme Court last week described the trend of state governments announcing wide cash benefits close to elections as "nothing but appeasement," warning that such measures could strain finances and cloud democratic choice. The bench emphasized that welfare must be carefully calibrated and not simply timed for electoral gains.
Opposition's Response
Congress state chief spokesperson Garima Dasauni commented on the issue, stating, "Recently, the apex court made a clear observation on such distribution of funds before elections. Distribution of funds prior or during a poll year has become an onward trend since BJP came into power in 2014." She drew parallels to similar actions in other states, noting, "It is similar to what happened in Bihar, where Rs 10,000 was transferred into bank accounts of women. Now, they are trying to replicate that model in Uttarakhand."
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The Nanda Gaura Yojana represents a critical effort in Uttarakhand's social welfare landscape, with potential long-term impacts on gender equality and education. However, the political undertones and timing of the DBT transfer raise questions about the intersection of welfare policies and electoral strategies. As the state prepares for upcoming elections, the scheme's implementation and reception will likely remain a focal point in public discourse, balancing immediate benefits against broader fiscal and democratic considerations.
