New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, or the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, on 1 August, providing Rs.2,500 per month to eligible women residents. With this, Delhi has just been added to the long list of states and Union Territories running direct cash schemes for women.

As things stand, more than 15 states have unconditional cash transfer schemes for women across India, costing roughly Rs.2.68 lakh crores and reaching almost 120 million beneficiaries. These schemes provide regular unconditional monthly payments ranging from Rs.1,000 to Rs.2,500 to support financial independence and recognise unpaid household labour.

India's growing direct cash transfers has triggered a famili...