AAP Questions Haryana Government Over Lado Lakshmi Scheme; Why Did Only 3.7 Percent Women Benefit?

The Lado Lakshmi Yojana, launched by the Haryana government for women's welfare, has become the center of a heated debate. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the release of the first installment of the scheme in Panchkula amid much fanfare. However, the opposition has now raised questions over its execution.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anurag Dhanda stated that while the scheme has gained publicity, its benefits have not reached women as widely as claimed.

Only a Fraction of Women Received Financial Support

AAP's national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda accused the state government of misleading women. He pointed out that although CM Saini released the first installment in Panchkula, very few women actually received the promised funds.

Dhanda said the government had assured ₹2,100 per month to every woman before the elections, but in reality, only around 3.7% of women have benefited. Out of approximately 1.4 crore women, a large number remain excluded from the scheme.

Restrictive Eligibility Criteria Exclude Many

The AAP leader highlighted that the government has imposed restrictive conditions that automatically disqualify many women. For instance, only those with an annual family income below ₹1 lakh and aged above 23 years are eligible.

Additionally, women whose husbands are not residents of Haryana or those from families receiving a pension are also left out. Dhanda noted that due to such criteria, poor women, college students, newly married women, and widows have been denied the scheme's benefits.

Demand for Transparency in Implementation

Dhanda further said that women who were promised empowerment are now feeling disappointed. The Aam Aadmi Party has demanded full transparency from the Haryana government - including details on how many women applied, how many received the money, and the reasons behind the exclusions.

The party emphasized that women in Haryana now expect not just promises but clear policies and transparent governance. They seek a scheme that truly fulfills its commitment without complicated conditions.