New Delhi: Delhi cabinet Tuesday approved Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, under which every eligible woman in the city will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 a month.The scheme, which was one of BJP’s key promises ahead of last year’s assembly polls, is expected to benefit more than 17 lakh women. Govt aims to release the first instalment on Raksha Bandhan (Aug 28), according to chief minister’s office.Women between 21 and 60 years of age with an annual family income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh will be eligible to avail themselves of the benefit. The scheme will initially remain in force for three years, with a provision for its continuation following a review.A cabinet meeting, chaired by chief minister Rekha Gupta, okayed the guidelines of the scheme, for which Rs 5,110 crore was earmarked in 2026-27 budget.Gupta said it marks a major step towards ensuring financial security and economic independence for women. “It will lay the foundation for their dignity and a brighter future,” she said, adding that govt fulfilled an important commitment it had made within a little over a year of assuming office.There are two options for receiving the monthly assistance. Under the first, Rs 1,500 will be deposited in a recurring or fixed deposit account while Rs 1,000 will be credited to a central bank digital currency (CBDC) digital rupee wallet, which can be used only for govt-approved goods and services. The second option, meant to encourage a habit of long-term saving, lets beneficiaries receive the entire Rs 2,500 in RDs or FDs.An online application portal will open on Aug 1. Govt has set up a district-level mechanism for scrutiny of applications, approval and grievance redressal.Women who already receive financial assistance or pension under govt schemes, such as old age pension, pension scheme for women in distress and disability pension, will be excluded, sources said, adding that govt will soon release detailed guidelines.Also, income tax payers, those who file GST returns, govt employees, women with more than three living children, those from households consuming over 2,400 units of electricity annually or owning a four-wheeler, and those with a member employed in govt or a public sector undertaking will not be eligible. Women with criminal records are also excluded.Beyond the direct financial assistance, govt said the scheme aims to encourage education, healthcare, savings and skill development of women. The beneficiaries will be encouraged to enrol their children in schools, obtain APAAR and ABHA IDs, complete immunisation, join self-help groups and participate in govt campaigns related to cleanliness, environmental protection and social welfare.
