the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is set to launch the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana on March 8, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month to eligible women, particularly those from economically weaker sections, to enhance their financial independence and improve their standard of living.
Background and Objectives
The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana was a key promise in the BJP’s manifesto during the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. With the party securing a decisive victory, winning 48 seats, the government is prioritizing the fulfillment of this commitment. The primary objectives of the scheme are:
- Financial Empowerment: Providing a steady monthly income to women to support their personal and family needs.
- Maternal Health Support: Offering special benefits to pregnant women to ensure their health and nutrition.
- Household Expense Relief: Reducing the burden of daily household expenses through subsidies on essential services like LPG gas cylinders.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Monthly Financial Assistance: Eligible women will receive ₹2,500 per month directly into their bank accounts. This direct benefit transfer ensures transparency and timely disbursement of funds.
- Support for Pregnant Women: A one-time financial aid of ₹21,000 will be provided to pregnant women to cover medical and nutritional expenses. Additionally, they will receive six nutritional kits during their pregnancy to promote maternal and child health.
- LPG Subsidy: To alleviate household expenses, the scheme offers a subsidy of ₹500 on LPG gas cylinders for poor women. Furthermore, beneficiaries will receive one free gas cylinder each during the festivals of Holi and Diwali.
- Enhanced Pension for Senior Citizens: The scheme includes provisions to increase the pension for elderly citizens, ensuring better financial security for senior women.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Delhi.
- Gender: Only female residents are eligible to apply.
- Age: The applicant should be above 18 years of age.
- Economic Status: Priority will be given to women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Application Process
The Delhi government is streamlining the application process to ensure ease of access for all eligible women. Applicants will be required to provide essential documents, including Aadhaar card, domicile certificate, bank account details, and income proof. The application forms will be made available both online and offline to accommodate varying levels of digital literacy among potential beneficiaries.
Implementation Timeline
The government has announced that the scheme will be officially launched on March 8, 2025. To facilitate this, a budget provision has been made from the revised estimates of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The first disbursement of funds is expected to commence by mid-March, ensuring that beneficiaries receive timely support.
Impact and Expectations
The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is poised to have a transformative impact on the lives of women in Delhi. By providing regular financial assistance, the scheme aims to:
- Enhance Economic Stability: Empowering women with financial resources to manage personal and household expenses.
- Promote Health and Well-being: Ensuring pregnant women have access to necessary medical care and nutrition.
- Reduce Financial Dependency: Encouraging women to participate more actively in economic activities and decision-making processes.
This initiative reflects the BJP government’s commitment to uplifting the socio-economic status of women in the capital, fostering an environment where they can thrive independently.