Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta formally announced the launch of the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme on International Women’s Day, approving a monthly financial aid of ₹2,500 for eligible women in the national capital. This decision comes after much speculation and political debate between the BJP and Aam Aadmi Party over the scheme's implementation. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged women, ensuring greater financial security and empowerment.
Key Features of the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme
- Monthly Financial Assistance: ₹2,500 per month will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
- Annual Budget Allocation: The Delhi government has allocated ₹5,100 crore to ensure seamless implementation and disbursement.
- Transparent and Technology-Driven Process: An Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification process will be used to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent claims.
- Dedicated Online Portal: Women can register online through a specially designed portal, which will outline the eligibility criteria, application process, and status tracking.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Age Limit: Women aged between 21 and 60 years.
- Residency Requirement: Applicants must be residents of Delhi.
- Income Criteria: Only women from households with an annual family income of less than ₹3 lakh are eligible.
- Exclusions:
- Women who are government employees.
- Women already receiving financial aid from other government welfare schemes.
- Individuals required to pay income tax.
Implementation & Application Process
The Delhi government has launched an online portal where eligible women can register by providing necessary documents, including:
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of residence (Voter ID, Ration Card, etc.)
- Income certificate
- Bank account details for direct fund transfer
To ensure speedy implementation, a special committee led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with ministers Ashish Sood, Virender Sachdeva, and Kapil Sharma, will oversee the rollout and monitor its execution.
Speaking at a press conference, Rekha Gupta said, "On this special occasion of International Women’s Day, we have approved the ₹2,500 financial aid under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, as promised to the women of Delhi during our election campaign. This scheme will provide financial security and independence to our sisters across the city."
She further emphasized that the initiative would leverage technology for a seamless, corruption-free, and efficient disbursement process.
Political Reactions & Controversy
While the BJP government hailed the approval of the scheme, opposition parties, especially the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), criticized the delay in implementation.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Atishi questioned why the funds had not yet reached women's accounts despite the announcement. She said, "Women in Delhi are checking their bank messages, waiting for the promised ₹2,500 to be credited. They feel cheated, just like they were promised ₹15 lakh earlier. This is nothing but an election gimmick."
AAP leader Reena Gupta also accused the BJP government of misleading Delhi’s women and delaying the actual rollout.
However, BJP national president JP Nadda defended the scheme, stating that "The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is a landmark decision, and the ₹5,100 crore allocation proves our commitment to women's welfare. We thank the women of Delhi for trusting us."
Official Launch & Public Response
The official launch event was held at Chhatrasal Stadium, where several women beneficiaries were handed their first installment of ₹2,500. Thousands of women attended the event, expressing their support for the initiative.
The announcement has received mixed reactions from Delhi’s women. While many welcomed the scheme as a step towards financial empowerment, others raised concerns about delays in fund disbursement and complex registration requirements.
One of the beneficiaries, Meena Sharma, a domestic worker from Karol Bagh, said, "This money will help me take care of my children's education and household expenses. I hope the government keeps its promise and deposits the amount on time every month."
What’s Next?
- The registration portal is expected to be operational within a week.
- The first phase of financial transfers is likely to begin in April 2025.
- A grievance redressal system will be established to assist applicants facing registration issues.
How to Apply for the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme?
Eligible women can apply online through the Delhi government's dedicated portal, where they will need to complete e-KYC verification and submit relevant documents.
