Calling on the national capital to lead the way in women-led development, Droupadi Murmu on Monday unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening financial security, mobility and welfare for women and girls in Delhi.
The programmes were launched at a large public event titled “Sashakt Naari, Samriddh Delhi” held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The event saw the rollout of four key initiatives by the Delhi government, the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, free LPG cylinders during Holi and Diwali for eligible households, the Saheli Pink Smart Card for women commuters, and the transfer of more than ₹100 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to over 40,000 beneficiaries under the Ladli scheme.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said the national capital must set a powerful example for the rest of the country when it comes to empowering women. She emphasised that schemes such as Meri Punji, Mera Adhikar, the Saheli Smart Card and the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana would help strengthen women’s financial independence and social security.
“Delhi represents the entire country because people from every state live here,” the President said. “If the women of Delhi are safe, educated and self-reliant, and they lead confidently in every sphere of society, it will send a powerful message across the nation. Delhi should become a model of women-led development.”
Murmu noted that an increasing number of girls are excelling in education, with many topping university convocations and winning medals. Women, she said, are also making significant strides in diverse fields ranging from sports to the armed forces.
However, she acknowledged that many women still face challenges such as violence, economic inequality, social stereotypes and inadequate healthcare.
Referring to central government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, she said such programmes have opened new pathways for women’s empowerment and self-reliance. She also highlighted the growing role of women in grassroots governance through panchayati raj institutions and the impact of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act in strengthening women’s political participation.
Murmu added that India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 cannot be achieved unless half of its population, women are fully empowered.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiatives represented more than just new government schemes. According to her, they symbolised a broader commitment to dignity, independence and confidence for women in the capital.
Under the campaign “Meri Punji, Mera Adhikar,” the government launched a drive to clear pending benefits under the Ladli scheme. Gupta said around ₹90 crore had already been transferred to nearly 30,000 girls in the first phase, while Monday’s event saw another ₹100 crore transferred to over 40,000 beneficiaries in the presence of the President.
One of the major announcements was the Saheli Pink Smart Card, which Gupta described as a “dignity card” rather than merely a transport pass. The card will allow women to travel free not only on buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation but also across other public transport systems in the capital.
Officials said the DTC has authorised Hindon Mercantile Limited and Airtel Payments Bank to issue the cards. Around 50 centres, including offices of district magistrates and selected DTC facilities, have been set up across the city to facilitate card issuance from March 3. The cards will be linked to beneficiaries’ Aadhaar numbers and mobile phones to ensure a simple and transparent process.
The Delhi government also announced that eligible ration card holders will receive free LPG cylinders during Holi and Diwali through DBT transfers, a move aimed at easing household expenses. Around ₹130 crore has already been credited directly into beneficiaries’ accounts for this initiative.
Another major highlight was the launch of the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, which aims to provide long-term financial support for girls. Under the scheme, ₹61,000 will be deposited in stages from birth until graduation, growing to around ₹1.25 lakh with interest. A budget allocation of ₹128 crore has been earmarked for the programme, and it will also cover girls living in child-care institutions.
President Murmu said empowering women to make independent decisions has the power to transform society and shape the nation’s future. She stressed that women’s empowerment is not solely the responsibility of the government but requires active participation from society as a whole.
The schemes unveiled at the event, she added, are designed to strengthen the vision of a prosperous and inclusive Delhi where women can thrive and lead with confidence.
