India, July 13 -- The Delhi government on Monday moved a step closer to launching its flagship monthly financial assistance programme for women, renaming the proposed Mahila Samriddhi Yojana as 'Delhi Lakshmi Yojana' and finalising its eligibility criteria. The scheme, under which eligible women will receive Rs 2,500 every month, is now expected to be rolled out around Raksha Bandhan next month. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed the implementation of the scheme at a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat and directed officials to ensure that the benefits reach eligible women in a "transparent, simple and time-bound manner" without administrative delays. Also Read - Vinod Nagar: Constable shoots wife dead on her birthday, flees Announcing the new name, Gupta said, "'Delhi Lakshmi Yojana' will provide financial support to lakhs of women in need. Eligible women will receive Rs 2,500 every month, strengthening their dignity, confidence and economic empowerment." She said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development. "When a woman in a household becomes financially secure, it accelerates the progress of the family, society and the nation alike," the Chief Minister said, adding that the government is committed to implementing the scheme with "complete transparency and accountability." The government also approved the eligibility norms for the scheme. Women between 21 and 60 years of age will be eligible, provided they or their families have been residents of Delhi for at least 10 years. The annual family income must not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh, and only one woman per family, the eldest eligible woman, will be entitled to receive the benefit. Women who are already receiving any government pension or other regular financial assistance will not Also Read - Four minors feared drowned in Yamuna qualify. Families owning a four-wheeler will also be excluded from the scheme. In a significant addition to the eligibility conditions, the government said women or families with criminal records will not be eligible for the scheme. Officials said the provision is intended to ensure that the benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. The government estimates that the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana will directly benefit lakhs of women across the capital by improving household financial stability and encouraging greater economic participation. According to officials, the scheme is expected to become one of the Delhi government's flagship welfare initiatives aimed at strengthening women's financial independence and social empowerment.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.