Delhi Cabinet Approves Mahila Samriddhi Scheme: Only These Women Will Benefit

The Delhi government has finalized the registration date for the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme, with an official announcement expected soon from JP Nadda. This initiative aims to provide financial support to underprivileged women, particularly those holding Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards. Under this scheme, eligible women will receive a monthly allowance of ₹2,500 along with free LPG cylinders during major festivals like Holi and Diwali. Additionally, the government is likely to introduce a free LPG cylinder scheme in the near future.

Government's Approval and Key Decisions

A meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta saw the approval of the Women's Prosperity Scheme. The cabinet also deliberated on the upcoming free LPG cylinder scheme. Notable ministers including Pravesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Pankaj Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra, and Ravindra Singh Indraj were present at the meeting.

The government has set a date for the scheme’s registration, and it is anticipated that JP Nadda will make an official announcement during a special event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Scheme Implementation and Eligibility Criteria

The Women's Prosperity Scheme will be implemented in a phased manner, prioritizing economically weaker sections. Additionally, ahead of Holi, the government is expected to introduce a scheme providing free domestic LPG cylinders to low-income families.

Eligibility Criteria for Beneficiaries:

• Annual household income must be below ₹2.5 lakh.

• Women paying income tax are not eligible.

• Government employees cannot avail of this benefit.

• Pensioners are excluded from the scheme.

• Only women aged between 21 and 60 years are eligible.

• Priority will be given to BPL (Below Poverty Line) women.

• Applicants must have been residents of Delhi for at least five years.

BJP’s Promises for Women’s Welfare

In its manifesto, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had pledged several benefits for women, including:

• ₹2,500 per month financial assistance

• ₹21,000 financial aid for every pregnant woman

• Free LPG cylinders during Holi and Diwali

• An increase in pension benefits from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per month

Political Reactions and Future Developments

During its first cabinet meeting, the government also discussed implementing the Ayushman Bharat health scheme and reviewed the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report. However, the delay in approving the Women’s Prosperity Scheme had drawn criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which questioned the BJP’s commitment to fulfilling its election promises.

With the recent approval, the scheme is expected to roll out soon, providing financial relief and support to thousands of underprivileged women in Delhi. Further details regarding application procedures and fund disbursement will be released in the coming weeks.