Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday that the Delhi Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide Rs 1,000 every month to eligible women under the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’, as outlined in the 2024-25 budget. However, he added that if AAP forms the government again, the amount will be increased to Rs 2,100 per month.
The announcement, made just ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in February 2025, is seen as a strategic move to appeal to women voters. Kejriwal, accompanied by Chief Minister Atishi, stated that the Cabinet had approved the Rs 1,000 scheme, but the actual payout would be Rs 2,100 once the elections are over. The registration for the scheme will begin on Friday, though he clarified that the transfer of money to beneficiaries would not be possible immediately due to the imminent election code of conduct.
Addressing concerns over funding the scheme, Kejriwal confidently asserted that he is a “magician of accounts,” assuring that the necessary funds would be sourced. He likened the scheme’s success to the earlier introduction of free electricity in Delhi, despite initial skepticism about its feasibility.
The opposition BJP criticized Kejriwal’s announcement, dismissing it as a mere “lollipop” to attract votes. Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva also pointed out that a similar promise in Punjab had not been fulfilled, questioning the credibility of the scheme.
Despite the criticism, Kejriwal remains confident in securing a majority in the upcoming Delhi elections, with a goal of winning at least 60-65 seats.
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