Delhi to launch monthly financial aid scheme for 20 lakh women this Rakshabandhan
The Delhi government is expected to launch a monthly financial aid scheme for women from economically weaker sections this Rakshabandhan, ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. The initiative, which was a key poll promise, is anticipated to benefit approximately 20 to 22 lakh women across Delhi.
Currently referred to as the 'Mahila Samriddhi Yojana', the Department of Women and Child Development is considering renaming the initiative to 'Laxmi Yojana'. While the name change has been discussed in meetings, a final decision and formal approval from the government are still pending.
To finalise the eligibility criteria, norms, and implementation of the scheme, the government last year constituted a high-level committee. This committee is headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and includes ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Ashish Sood as members.
Under the current proposals, the monthly financial assistance is likely to be provided to women aged between 21 and 60 years. Eligible beneficiaries must be ration card holders from the economically weaker section. While the annual family income limit is currently being considered at Rs 2.5 lakh, officials indicated it might be revised to between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh following recent increases in the income limit for ration card holders.
Certain groups will be excluded from the scheme. Women who are already receiving a pension from the government, taxpayers, government employees, and individuals who own a four-wheeler will not be eligible to receive the monthly financial assistance.
Officials confirmed that the registration portal for the scheme is ready. Once the high-level committee finalises the eligibility criteria, the details will be integrated into the portal by the IT department, a process expected to take a single day. The registration form is expected to require details such as Aadhaar numbers, residential addresses in Delhi, and Aadhaar-seeded bank account details.
