On International Women’s Day, the Delhi government unveiled the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to women in the capital. Under this initiative, eligible women will receive Rs 2,500 each month. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, while addressing an event organised by the BJP Mahila Morcha, shared the news and explained, “Utilising this august occasion, we convened a meeting of the Delhi Cabinet… we have fulfilled the promise we had made to Delhi’s sisters in our Sankalp Patra (manifesto) under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana.”
Rs 5,100 Crore Allocated for Financial Assistance
In a cabinet meeting held earlier that day, the government allocated a substantial Rs 5,100 crore for the scheme’s implementation. Gupta further assured that a dedicated committee, chaired by her, would oversee its rollout. This committee will include ministers such as Ashish Sood, Parvesh Verma, and Kapil Mishra. To ensure the smooth registration process for eligible women, a portal will be launched soon, Gupta confirmed. The committee will also determine the specific criteria for eligibility, which will be made available to the public.
The scheme promises to leverage technology for transparency and efficient disbursement. As stated by the government, “This scheme is not just financial benefit but a commitment to building a stronger, more self-reliant community of women in Delhi.” Aadhaar-based e-KYC will play a crucial role in this process to streamline registrations and fund transfers, providing greater security and access for women.
AAP Slams Delay, Calls it a ‘Jumla’
While the BJP celebrates the approval of this scheme, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticised the delay in fulfilling the promise. AAP leader Atishi expressed her frustration during a press conference, accusing the BJP of failing to meet their pre-election commitment. “PM Modi, in another rally, promised that on March 8, Rs 2,500 would be deposited into the account of the women… But today, the BJP-led Delhi government has proven that it wasn’t PM Modi’s guarantee but a ‘jumla’.”
Despite the criticism from the opposition, BJP President JP Nadda defended the scheme, stressing its significance for the women of Delhi. “The victory in the national capital would not have been possible without the support of women,” Nadda remarked during the event. He described the Mahila Samridhi Yojana as a crucial step towards advancing women’s rights in Delhi.
BJP’s Promise While Delhi Assembly Elections
The BJP had made a promise during the Delhi Assembly elections to provide Rs 2,500 monthly to women, a commitment that surpassed the AAP’s proposal of Rs 2,100. Following their overwhelming victory in the February elections, where they secured 48 of the 70 seats, the BJP moved quickly to approve the scheme. The move is seen as a response to the pressure from the AAP, which had been vocal about the delay in fulfilling this key promise.
As the government moves ahead with the implementation of the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, it aims not only to provide financial aid but to foster long-term economic empowerment for women in the city, helping them achieve greater independence and security.
