Himachal Pradesh launches new financial aid and free power scheme for women

The Himachal Pradesh government has approved the new "Mukhya Mantri Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojna" to provide financial aid and free power to families in the State. Under the scheme, eligible women aged 18 to 59 will receive 1,500 rupees per month. The State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made this decision during a meeting held in Shimla on November 13, 2026.

Scheme Details

Eligible beneficiary families will also get 300 units of free electricity under the new program. The official statement notes that 3.5 lakh eligible women have been identified as beneficiaries so far. The government previously increased the monthly financial support for women over 59 years of age from 1,050 rupees to 1,500 rupees. These measures fulfill key pre-poll promises made by the Congress party during the 2022 Assembly election.

Other Decisions

The Cabinet also approved a uniform State policy for setting and updating the rates of selling surplus raw water to industries, neighbouring States, and government agencies. This policy sets a starting rate of 100 rupees per 1,000 cubic feet for existing and future projects, which will change over time based on the Wholesale Price Index. Additionally, the State will launch the "Khelo Himachal Chitta Mukt Abhiyan-2026" across all twelve districts to engage young people in sports and prevent drug abuse. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led an anti-chitta walkathon in Mandi town and warned that drug peddlers face strict legal action.

Context

State governments often introduce direct cash transfer schemes and free utility benefits to fulfill poll pledges and support lower-income households. Water pricing policies help states generate revenue from natural resources while managing inter-state resource sharing. Public campaigns against drugs like chitta aim to address substance abuse concerns among youth through community sports and strict enforcement.