Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Faces Criticism as Himachal Women Wait for ₹1500 Monthly Promise

This Special Report examines the status of the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana in Himachal Pradesh. The Congress government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, promised ₹1500 per month to women, a key guarantee that helped the party to power. However, nearly three years later, only 35,687 women have received benefits, while lakhs remain excluded due to new criteria. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated, 'The guarantee of 1500 situation improves, we will try to give more.' The report highlights the plight of women in Lahaul Spiti and Mandi who claim they have not received a single installment despite applying years ago. While districts like Una and Sirmore show some beneficiaries, the opposition labels the delay a 'betrayal' of the state's mothers. As the government enters its final two years, the gap between poll promises and ground reality remains a significant political challenge in the hill state.