New Delhi: In a major push for women empowerment in the capital, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday launched four key welfare initiatives of Delhi govt. They include introduction of smart cards for free public bus rides, financial security for the poor, and welfare of the girl child aimed at ensuring “dignity, economic independence and social respect for women”.Under ‘Meri Punji, Mera Adhikar’ drive, over Rs 100 crore was directly transferred to 40,642 beneficiaries of Delhi Ladli Scheme. The President also unveiled Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, which will provide staged deposits in the name of each eligible girl from her birth, maturing to over Rs 1 lakh by the time she turns 21. This amount will support her higher education or vocational training. The Pink Saheli National Common Mobility Card was introduced to enable free travel for women on public buses, thereby enhancing safe and affordable mobility.Additionally, Delhi govt transferred Rs 130 crore into the accounts of ration card-holding families to purchase LPG cylinders. Under the scheme approved by the cabinet last month, each poor family in Delhi will get Rs 850 through direct benefit transfer every Holi and Diwali. It was a promise made by BJP ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The President said a developed India by 2047 will be possible only when women are empowered with dignity, security and equal opportunities. “I am confident that all these welfare schemes will empower the sisters and daughters of Delhi and make a significant contribution towards the goal of building a prosperous Delhi,” said the President. “Today, women are excelling in every field, but it is also a fact that they they still face violence, economic inequality, social stereotypes and health-related neglect. The goal of women’s empowerment can only be achieved by removing these obstacles. A woman will truly be empowered when she has the ability to make independent decisions, can live a life with self-respect, and has access to equal opportunities and security. An empowered woman can change not only her own life but also the direction of society and future generations,” the President said.However, women’s empowerment is not solely the responsibility of govt, she said. “It is the responsibility of every member and institution of society. Delhi is the capital of the country. If the women of Delhi are safe, educated and self-reliant, and provide confident leadership in every sphere of society, it will send a positive message throughout the country,” Murmu said.The launch also marked the anniversary celebrations of BJP govt, which was formed on Feb 20, 2025. LG V K Saxena, chief minister Rekha Gupta and several beneficiaries of the schemes were present at the event.Richa Singh, a resident of Badarpur who attended the event, said govt’s decision to provide money for LPG cylinders has brought much-needed relief to families in her locality ahead of Holi. “Several women in my area have received the amount directly in their bank accounts. This will help with the household budget as festival-related costs often strain monthly finances of poor families,” she said.The President handed over Pink Saheli cards to some women to mark the launch of its distribution. Women residents of Delhi who obtain the card will no longer be required to collect paper ‘pink slips’ to vail themselves of free rides on public buses. Instead, they have to simply tap the card, ensuring seamless, cashless and paperless travel. “This will ensure freedom of movement, safety and easier access to employment and education opportunities for women,” said CM Gupta, adding empowered women will make a prosperous Delhi, which will, in turn, help in making India a developed country.From March 3, DTC will begin issuing Pink Saheli cards through 50 authorised centres. The cards will be made over the counter following Aadhaar-based verification at DM and SDM offices, and DTC offices at depots like Nehru Place, Kashmiri Gate, Dwarka, Rohini and Jamia. Till this exercise is completed, women can continue to travel free by using the pink slips.
