Haryana Government deceives 96% of women — only 3.73% receive first installment under Lado Lakshmi Yojana: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur strongly criticized the Haryana Government’s Lado Lakshmi Yojana, calling it a major betrayal with the women of the state. She said that out of Haryana’s total 1.40 crore female population, only 5 lakh women—merely 3.73%—have received the first installment of ₹2100, while over 96% women have been excluded.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that excluding such a large number of women from the scheme is a direct injustice to their rights. “The policy clearly reflects a biased approach and goes against the true spirit of women empowerment,” she stated.

She further said that the Haryana Government has imposed unrealistic and restrictive conditions, such as requiring an annual family income below ₹1 lakh, age above 23 years, and Moreover, if a woman’s husband belongs to another state, or if any family member is already receiving a pension or government allowance, the woman is automatically disqualified. These harsh terms have excluded poor families, newly married women, widows, and even college-going girls from the scheme’s ambit.

Dr. Baljit Kaur remarked that the BJP Government in Haryana has failed to fulfil its promise of providing financial support to “every woman.” Instead, the scheme has become merely a publicity stunt filled with photo opportunities and digital app launches. “This is not Lado Lakshmi, but a Lado Deception Scheme, where promises were made to crores, but benefits reached only a few thousand,” she asserted.

In contrast, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is preparing to launch a truly inclusive and transparent program. After the upcoming Assembly session, every woman in Punjab—without any discrimination or restrictive conditions—will begin receiving ₹1000 per month as financial assistance.

Dr. Baljit Kaur concluded that this initiative will mark a historic step towards the economic empowerment and self-reliance of women in Punjab, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to dignity, equality, and justice for every woman.