The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government announced on Monday rechristened its proposed Mahila Samriddhi Yojana as the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, with plans to roll out the flagship welfare scheme around Raksha Bandhan, sources told ANI.
The scheme will provide Rs 2,500 every month to eligible women through direct financial assistance, the sources said.
The initiative is among the Bharatiya Janata Party government's key welfare promises for women in the national capital. The monthly financial assistance is aimed at providing economic support to eligible beneficiaries and enhancing financial security for women from economically weaker sections.
The decision to rename the scheme comes as the Delhi government finalises its implementation framework. Officials are expected to notify the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and application process before the scheme is launched.
The proposal traces its origins to the BJP's commitments ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, where the party promised direct monthly financial assistance to women if voted to power.
Following the formation of the new government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, preparations for rolling out the programme gathered pace, with several rounds of consultations held to identify beneficiaries and establish a transparent mechanism for transferring funds.
The scheme is expected to operate through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, under which the monthly assistance will be credited directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts, reducing leakages and ensuring timely payments.
The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana also places the Delhi government alongside several states that have introduced cash assistance programmes for women. Similar schemes, including Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna Yojana, Maharashtra's Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and Odisha's Subhadra Yojana, have emerged as major welfare initiatives focused on improving women's financial independence and household incomes.
An official announcement on the launch, eligibility norms and registration process is expected in the coming weeks as the government prepares to roll out the scheme around Raksha Bandhan.
