NEW DELHI: The newly formed BJP government in Delhi is set to launch the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme, fulfilling its poll promise of providing Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set a deadline of one month for implementing the scheme after the government took office.
The registration process will begin on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The scheme aims to benefit 15-20 lakh women across Delhi, with funds to be transferred directly to their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Some beneficiaries are expected to receive their first payments at the launch event at Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi.
To be eligible for the scheme, women must meet specific criteria. Government employees and individuals who are already receiving financial aid from the government will be excluded.
Additionally, women over the age of 60 are not eligible, as they qualify for an old-age pension. However, those with a household income of less than Rs 3 lakh per year and who do not pay taxes will be considered eligible for the Rs 2,500 monthly support.
The scheme’s terms and conditions are still being discussed, with the Delhi government expected to release detailed information soon. As per sources the modalities will be discussed in an upcoming Cabinet meeting.
The scheme was initially promised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections, where it pledged a Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women in Delhi if the party came to power. The government’s estimated beneficiary pool of 15-20 lakh women has been a key focus.
The government is developing an online registration portal and specialised software for verifying applications and ensuring eligibility. Data from various departments to identify the right beneficiaries is also being gathered.
This new scheme is similar to similar initiatives already implemented in BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna Yojana and Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana. These programs offer financial aid to women as part of a broader push for gender equality and social welfare.
The Mahila Samriddhi Scheme directly competes with the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Mahila Samman Yojana, which promised Rs 2,100 per month for women in Delhi if it came to power. Congress has also proposed a similar scheme, offering Rs 2,500 per month for women in the city.
To avail the benefits of the scheme, women must have a household income below Rs 3 lakh per year and should not be taxpayers. Government employees, pensioners above 60 years, and those already receiving government financial aid will be excluded. An online registration portal and verification system are being developed to ensure smooth implementation. The funds will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through direct benefit transfer.