Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana is a Himachal Pradesh government scheme that gives eligible women a monthly payment of ₹1500 for their work in the household, culture, and family economy. The scheme is open for new applications in 2026, after the state government revised the rules and added an annual income limit.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Himachal Pradesh, runs this scheme. It was first launched as Indira Gandhi Mahila Samman Nidhi Yojana on 15 May 2023, and the name was changed to Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana in 2024. In April 2026, the government added a family annual income ceiling of ₹2 lakh to the scheme, so women now need to apply afresh to get the monthly stipend.
Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana - Introduction
The scheme recognises the contribution of women in preserving cultural heritage, looking after the family, and supporting the household economy. The main aim is to make women financially independent and self-reliant through a fixed monthly cash support.
Women who meet the eligibility conditions receive ₹1500 every month directly in their bank account. The payment is made through the banking channel, so eligible women get the money without any middlemen.
In 2026, the scheme is being rolled out across the state. During the rollout in Kinnaur district on 15 April 2026, the government added a new condition that the family annual income should not exceed ₹2 lakh. Because of this change, earlier applications are no longer valid, and women must submit fresh application forms to get the benefit.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Category | Women and Child, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Monthly Benefit | ₹1500 |
| Annual Income Limit | Up to ₹2 lakh |
| Nodal Department | Department of Social Justice and Empowerment |
Benefits
Eligible women get a fixed monthly cash benefit under this scheme. The amount is sent directly to the bank account of the beneficiary.
- Eligible women receive ₹1500 per month directly in their bank account.
- Women from BPL households are also included in the scheme, and the new application form has a separate column for this category.
- The monthly payment helps women meet daily household needs and become financially self-reliant.
Eligibility
Only women who meet all the conditions given below can apply for the monthly assistance. The rules were updated in April 2026, so read the list carefully before applying.
- The applicant must be a woman between 18 and 59 years of age.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh.
- The family annual income of the applicant should not exceed ₹2 lakh. Women will need to submit a certificate showing that the family annual income is less than ₹2 lakh.
- Buddhist nuns who live permanently in Buddhist monasteries are also eligible to apply.
Who Cannot Apply
Women are not eligible if they or any family member falls in the categories listed below.
- Central or State Government employees, pensioners, contract workers, outsourced staff, daily wagers, or part-time workers.
- Serving or ex-servicemen and military widows.
- Honorarium-receiving Anganwadi workers, helpers, ASHA workers, Mid-Day Meal workers, or Multi-Task workers.
- Social Security Pension beneficiaries.
- Employees of Panchayat Raj institutions or Urban Local Bodies.
- Pensioners or employees of Public Undertakings, Boards, Councils, or Agencies under the government.
- Individuals registered for Goods and Services Tax or those who are income tax payers.
Application Process
The scheme is offline. There is no separate online application portal for this scheme, and the application form is available at the office of the District Welfare Officer or the Tehsil Welfare Officer. Because of the 2026 amendment, women must fill the new application form even if they had applied earlier.
STEP 1 - Visit the office of the District Welfare Officer or Tehsil Welfare Officer during working hours and collect the new prescribed application form.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the mandatory fields accurately and attach self-attested copies of the required documents, including the family income certificate showing annual income below ₹2 lakh.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application form to the Tehsil Welfare Office.
STEP 4 - Collect a formal acknowledgment receipt containing the submission date and a unique identification number.
Documents
Applicants need to keep the following documents ready while submitting the application form.
- Valid Age Certificate
- Himachali Bonafide Certificate or Domicile Certificate
- Family Income Certificate showing annual income below ₹2 lakh
- Photocopy of Bank Passbook or Post Office Account details with IFSC Code
- Photocopy of Aadhar Card
- Photocopy of Ration Card or Parivar Register copy
- Buddhist Nuns Certificate, if applicable, issued by the Panchayat or head of the Buddhist monastery
- BPL Ration Card, if applicable
- Disability Certificate, if applicable
Definitions
Family includes the husband, wife, adult or minor sons, and unmarried daughters who are registered together in the family register in rural areas or the ration card in urban areas as of 31.03.2023.
References
- Official Scheme Page on esomsa.hp.gov.in
- Official Scheme Notification PDF
- Official Scheme Corrigendum PDF
FAQ's
What is the monthly amount provided under the scheme?
Eligible women receive ₹1500 per month directly in their bank account.
What is the new annual income limit added in 2026?
The family annual income of the applicant should not exceed ₹2 lakh. Women need to submit a certificate showing that the family annual income is less than ₹2 lakh.
Do I need to apply again if I applied before 2026?
Yes. After the April 2026 amendment, earlier applications are no longer considered valid. Women must fill the new application form and apply afresh to receive the monthly stipend.
Are Buddhist nuns eligible for the scheme?
Yes, Buddhist nuns living permanently in Buddhist monasteries are eligible to apply.
Who is excluded from this scheme?
Government employees, pensioners, taxpayers, and those serving in various official capacities or receiving other government honorariums are excluded. Women whose family annual income is above ₹2 lakh are also not eligible.
What if my application is incomplete?
Incomplete or ineligible applications are returned to the applicant with specific comments within 15 days.
Who inspects the beneficiaries?
The District Welfare Officer and Tehsil Welfare Officer conduct annual inspections of 10% and 25% of beneficiaries respectively.
What happens if a beneficiary dies?
The financial assistance is permanently closed upon receiving official notification of the beneficiary's death.
Who audits the scheme expenditure?
Expenditure is audited by the office of the Accountant General (Accounts), Himachal Pradesh.