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The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to offer significant benefits to the state's women. On October 2, the government plans to roll out two major initiatives for economically weaker sections: approximately 250,000 women will receive ₹1,500, and around 180,000 poor families will get up to 300 units of free electricity. This means free electricity will now be available in Himachal as well. So far, 180,000 families have been shortlisted for the free electricity scheme.

**Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi**
Under the 'Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi' scheme, eligible women aged between 21 and 60 will receive ₹1,500 directly into their bank accounts. The ninth phase of this scheme is expected to conclude by September 20.

According to officials, the Rural Development Department has already received approximately 241,000 applications following the verification process of the eighth phase. Another 10,000 applications are anticipated during the ninth phase, potentially bringing the total number of beneficiaries to around 250,000.

Once the applications from the ninth phase are processed, the list of eligible beneficiaries is expected to be released at the SDM level on September 25. Subsequently, the government will begin preparations to transfer the financial aid directly to the eligible women's bank accounts. Women over the age of 60 who meet the eligibility criteria are already covered under social security pension schemes.

**180,000 Families Shortlisted for Free Electricity**
Alongside the financial assistance scheme for women, the Himachal government is preparing to implement a scheme providing 300 units of free electricity to approximately 180,000 extremely poor families. Reports indicate that beneficiaries have been shortlisted using data collected at the panchayat level. The Rural Development Department has compiled a database of beneficiaries based on information gathered from rural areas. The proposed 300-unit free electricity scheme is expected to provide significant relief to the state's poorest families by easing the burden of their monthly household electricity expenses.

Women to Receive ₹1,500 in Their Accounts
The state government plans to launch both initiatives on October 2. Once the verification process is complete, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment will facilitate the direct transfer of ₹1,500 into the bank accounts of eligible women. The government states that the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system aims to ensure that financial assistance reaches eligible women without the involvement of any middlemen.

With the relevant departments accelerating preparations for both schemes, their launch on October 2 could provide significant relief to thousands of families in Himachal Pradesh regarding financial and household expenses.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is expected to provide details about the government's welfare schemes and the benefits they offer to economically weaker sections.

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