Key Points:
- Women-Centric Initiative: Aam Aadmi Party’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal launches the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana,’ offering ₹1,000 per month to eligible women, with a post-election promise to increase the amount to ₹2,100.
- Cabinet Approval: The scheme received the Delhi Cabinet’s green light hours before its formal announcement.
- Eligibility Criteria: Women must meet specific voter, income, and asset requirements to qualify.
4. Election Strategy: The scheme is seen as a strategic move to strengthen AAP’s position ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.
NEW Delhi: In a bold move aimed at empowering women and securing votes ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of the Mahila Samman Yojana on Thursday, December 12. This scheme promises to transfer ₹1,000 every month to eligible women in the national capital. The announcement came shortly after the Delhi Cabinet gave its nod during a morning meeting.
Speaking at the Aam Aadmi Party headquarters, Kejriwal described the initiative as a landmark effort to honor the contributions of women in Delhi. “Today, I am making two big announcements for the mothers and sisters of Delhi. This scheme fulfills a promise we made to women, ensuring ₹1,000 is deposited monthly into their accounts. After the elections, this amount will increase to ₹2,100,” he said.
Eligibility Criteria for Mahila Samman Yojana
Women who meet the following criteria will be eligible to apply for the scheme:
- Voter Status: Must be an official voter in Delhi.
- Income Limit: Annual income must be ₹2.5 lakh or less.
- Age Range: Must be between 18 and 60 years old.
- Asset Condition: Women owning a four-wheeler will not qualify for the scheme.
Registration for the scheme begins on December 13, with funds to be transferred shortly after successful enrollment.
A Calculated Political Move Before Elections
This announcement comes at a crucial time, just months before Delhi heads to the polls. Kejriwal’s strategy mirrors similar initiatives in other states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, where women-centric welfare schemes garnered significant support and helped ruling parties retain power.
Political analysts believe that the Mahila Samman Yojana could sway a large section of the electorate in favor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Women voters, who form a significant proportion of Delhi’s electorate, are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming elections.
Wider Implications of the Scheme
The Mahila Samman Yojana reflects AAP’s commitment to improving the financial independence of women. By providing direct monetary assistance, the scheme seeks to:
- Reduce economic disparity.
- Empower women to make independent financial decisions.
- Strengthen AAP’s appeal among urban and lower-income demographics.
At the same time, the announcement has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who accuse AAP of leveraging welfare schemes as an electoral tactic.
With this initiative, Kejriwal has set the tone for an election campaign centered on welfare and empowerment. As registration opens, all eyes will be on how the scheme is implemented and its impact on voter sentiment in Delhi.
The Mahila Samman Yojana could be a game-changer in Delhi politics, potentially redefining the dynamics of the upcoming assembly
