The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has introduced the Mahila Samman Yojana as a new benefit for the women of Delhi. The announcement was made today (Thursday) following the approval of the scheme in the Delhi Cabinet meeting earlier in the day.
Election Strategy or Welfare Scheme?
The launch of the Mahila Samman Yojana comes just ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. This scheme was one of the promises Kejriwal made as part of his six-point agenda during previous campaigns. The Chief Minister formally announced the scheme’s commencement at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) office on December 12, shortly after the Cabinet gave its nod.
How Does the Scheme Work?
Under the scheme, women who are Delhi residents will receive ₹1,000 per month. Additionally, Kejriwal has assured that if his party wins the upcoming elections, the payout will be doubled.
Earlier Mention of the Scheme by Atishi
The concept of the Mahila Samman Yojana was first introduced during the Delhi Budget earlier this year by then-Finance Minister Atishi. The scheme has been highlighted multiple times in AAP’s promotional campaigns.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
Only a subset of Delhi’s women will qualify for this scheme. The eligibility conditions include:
- The beneficiary must be a registered voter in Delhi.
- Annual income should be less than ₹2.5 lakh.
- Age must be between 18 and 60 years.
- Women owning a four-wheeler vehicle will not be eligible.
Who Will Benefit?
Delhi has approximately 67 lakh women, out of which 38 lakh are expected to benefit from the scheme. The financial burden on Delhi’s treasury is estimated to exceed ₹4,000 crore annually for this initiative.
Political Strategy Behind the Scheme
The launch of the Mahila Samman Yojana is seen as a significant political move by Kejriwal. Similar schemes have been used by the BJP in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand to win over women voters. Now, Kejriwal hopes this initiative will strengthen AAP’s position in the upcoming elections by appealing to the women electorate in Delhi.
