Delhi approves Lakshmi Yojana scheme, women to get Rs 2,500 aid by Raksha Bandhan

The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, which promises Rs 2,500 a month to eligible women. The government will open registrations on August 1 and aims to release the first instalment by Raksha Bandhan.

In Short

• Eligible women to get Rs 2,500 monthly via direct transfer
• Beneficiaries must be residents aged 21-60, living in Delhi for 10 years
• Registration opens on August 1, first payment by Raksha Bandhan

The Delhi Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, under which eligible women will receive Rs 2,500 per month through direct benefit transfer, with the registration portal set to open on August 1.

Announcing the decision after a Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government aims to release the first instalment by Raksha Bandhan on August 28 after completing verification of applications.

The scheme, one of the BJP government's key poll promises, is aimed at providing financial assistance to economically weaker women.

WHO ALL ARE ELIGIBLE UNDER THIS SCHEME?

Eligible beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Delhi, aged 21 to 60 years, and have lived in the national capital for at least 10 years, among other conditions. Only one woman per household will be eligible for the benefit, with the eldest woman being selected if multiple members qualify.

Under the proposed norms, applicants will have to submit a self-declaration stating they have been residents of Delhi for at least 10 years and have no criminal record.

Families with an annual income above Rs 2.5 lakh and those owning a four-wheeler, or those already receiving certain government financial assistance schemes will not be eligible.

The scheme was earlier announced as the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana before being renamed the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, while retaining the promised monthly assistance of Rs 2,500.

- Ends
(with inputs from PTI)