Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a big announcement about a new scheme for women in Delhi. He promised that if his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), wins the upcoming Delhi elections, every woman in Delhi will receive ₹2,100 every month. This is double the ₹1,000 a month that he announced as part of the scheme.

What is the 'Mahila Samman Yojana'?

The scheme, called the "Mahila Samman Yojana," is aimed at providing financial support to women who do not have a formal income. The total budget for this scheme is ₹2,000 crore. Women who are already receiving financial assistance from other government schemes or who pay taxes are not eligible. To register for the scheme, women must have a voter ID card and be residents of Delhi.

Arvind Kejriwal, who was accompanied by Chief Minister Atishi, explained that while the scheme has already been passed, the ₹1,000 payment cannot be made until after the election. He explained, "The poll dates will be announced in 10-15 days, so it is not possible to transfer the money now."

However, he assured the public that from the day the elections are over, women who have registered will receive ₹2,100 instead of ₹1,000 per month.

Kejriwal hits back at BJP

Kejriwal also criticised the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for delaying the scheme’s launch. He said that the BJP had "conspired and sent me to jail" in connection with the alleged liquor policy case, which led to the delay in providing financial aid to women in Delhi. "I have come to make two big announcements for the people of Delhi... both are for women. I had earlier promised to give ₹1,000 to every woman. This proposal was passed in a cabinet meeting chaired by Atishiji this morning. Now this scheme has been implemented in Delhi," he said.

The AAP leader added, "What the BJP calls'revdis,' I see as a step to strengthening our society. The BJP also asks, 'Where will the money come from?'... but I had said we will give free electricity (a promise the AAP made before the 2015 Delhi election, and which is now a party standard), and we did that," he reminded voters. "I want to tell the BJP... I am a magician. I am a magician of accounts," he smiled.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia supports the scheme

Manish Sisodia, a senior AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, also spoke in favour of the new scheme. He praised Kejriwal for thinking of ways to empower women. "Congress and BJP could not think of these things... When the public asks, they make excuses. Kejriwal announced this scheme today, and after the election, women will be given ₹2,100," he said, emphasising the AAP's commitment to the people.

BJP’s response

Minutes after Kejriwal’s announcement, the BJP’s Delhi unit chief, Virendra Sachdeva, reacted sharply. He questioned Kejriwal about his promises for women in Punjab, where the AAP had earlier promised to give ₹1,000 to eligible women before the 2022 state elections. "Kejriwal should answer promises made for women before the Punjab election. How many women in Punjab have it in their bank accounts? And now, because Vidhan Sabha elections are coming in Delhi, you give (this) lollipop?" Sachdeva asked.

During the Punjab election campaign, AAP had promised to deposit ₹1,000 per month into the bank accounts of eligible women. This promise has still not been fulfilled, and the amount was later raised to ₹1,110. Last month, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann acknowledged the delay and said he would make it his "mission" to fulfil the promise.

What are the eligibility criteria?

The scheme is part of Delhi's 2024/25 budget, which sets aside ₹2,000 crore for the program. Women who do not have any formal source of income are eligible to register for the scheme. However, those who already receive government financial assistance or pay taxes are excluded. Additionally, women need a voter ID card that confirms their residence in Delhi to apply. The government estimates that around 45 lakh women in Delhi will benefit from this scheme.

Potential roadblock with lieutenant governor

There are concerns that Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena’s office may raise objections to the funding for this scheme. Sources have said that the LG might question the source of the money for the scheme, which could lead to another confrontation between the AAP-led Delhi government and the lieutenant governor. The AAP government has long argued that the BJP, in power at the centre, controls Delhi through the lieutenant governor, who was nominated by their party.

The Delhi government's Finance Department has also raised concerns, suggesting that the money required for the scheme could result in a budget deficit for the next financial year (FY2025/26).

Kejriwal and AAP are pressing forward with their announcement of the ₹2,100 per month scheme for women in Delhi. If successful, the scheme will provide financial aid to a significant portion of the female population, empowering them economically and strengthening the AAP’s position in the upcoming Delhi elections.