The Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is set to launch the much-anticipated Mahila Samriddhi Scheme on March 8, 2025. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women, empowering them and improving their financial stability.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is designed to support women from economically weaker sections of society. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Annual household income must be less than Rs 3 lakh.
- Women aged between 18 and 60 years are eligible.
- Applicants should not hold government jobs or be beneficiaries of other government financial assistance schemes.
- Taxpayers are excluded from the scheme.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Mechanism
The financial aid will be disbursed directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The official launch event will take place at Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi, where some eligible women may receive their first payments.
Application Process
The Delhi government is developing an online portal to facilitate the registration process. Applicants will need to provide essential documents, including:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Proof of Address
- Registered Mobile Number
The portal will link applications to Aadhaar cards and verify eligibility using data from various government departments. Duplicate or ineligible applications will be automatically rejected.
A Key Promise Fulfilled
The Mahila Samriddhi Scheme was a key promise in the BJP’s manifesto during the Delhi Assembly Elections. The party secured a majority in the elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats, and has since prioritized initiatives to support women and economically vulnerable groups.
Impact and Future Plans
The scheme is expected to benefit 15-20 lakh women across Delhi, providing them with much-needed financial relief. The government has also indicated plans to increase the scheme’s budget in the next financial year to extend its reach further.
This initiative aligns with similar programs in other BJP-ruled states, such as the Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh and the Ladki Bahin Yojana in Maharashtra. It also counters the AAP’s Mahila Samman Yojana, which had proposed Rs 2,100 monthly aid for women.
The Mahila Samriddhi Scheme underscores the Delhi government’s commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusive growth in the capital.
