AAP Announces ₹2,100 Monthly Aid for Delhi Women Under Mahila Samman Yojana, A Key Poll Promise

New Delhi – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday unveiled a major pre-election promise for Delhi's women: the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, offering ₹1,000 per month to eligible beneficiaries starting immediately. Kejriwal further announced that this amount would be raised to ₹2,100 per month if AAP retains power in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025.

Speaking at a press briefing, Kejriwal emphasized the scheme’s significance, stating, “I had promised ₹1,000 per month for women in Delhi, and I am delighted to announce that Chief Minister Atishi's cabinet has approved this scheme today. Women can now register and start receiving this benefit.”

Kejriwal attributed delays in implementing the scheme to political obstacles, claiming he was jailed earlier this year in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor policy case. “I wanted to launch this scheme in March, but conspiracies led to my imprisonment. After coming out, I worked with Atishi ji to ensure the scheme gets rolling,” he said.

Mahila Samman Yojana: Key Highlights

• Immediate Implementation: Eligible women in Delhi to receive ₹1,000 per month from December 2024.
• Post-Election Promise: Monthly aid to increase to ₹2,100 if AAP secures a third consecutive term in power.
• Budget Allocation: AAP government has allocated ₹2,000 crore in the 2024-25 budget for the scheme.

The AAP, which swept Delhi Assembly elections in 2015 and 2020 with decisive majorities, is seeking to replicate its success in February’s polls. The party currently holds 63 of the 70 seats in the Assembly.

Despite the ambitious nature of the Mahila Samman Yojana, reports suggest the scheme faced bureaucratic hurdles earlier this year, with the Finance Department flagging budgetary constraints. Kejriwal, however, assured that the government is committed to empowering women and addressing their financial needs through this scheme.

The announcement comes as AAP aims to solidify its voter base among women and economically weaker sections. The Election Commission of India is yet to announce the official polling dates, but the term of the current Delhi Assembly expires on February 23, 2025.