For women's scheme, Delhi govt looks at defining family, annual income cap of Rs 2.5 lakh

Indian Express

a day ago

Defining a family as husband, wife and children; capping annual family income at Rs 2.5 lakh; limiting the scheme to women aged between 21 and 60 years, and to one beneficiary per family – these are among the eligibility criteria being considered for the Delhi government's Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, The Indian Express has learnt.
Ahead of the Delhi elections, the BJP had promised a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for poor women. In March, its government set up a high-level committee headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to frame the norms, and earmarked Rs 5,100 crore for the scheme.
The committee is learnt to have held its first meeting last week, days before the government completes 100 days in power. Besides Gupta, Law Minister Kapil Mishra, Education Minister Ashish Sood – both members of the committee – and senior officials from the Woman and Child Development were among those present at the meeting.
'A detailed discussion was held on what the eligibility criteria should be… While it has been decided that Rs 2,500 will be given to one woman per family, there are families with more than one eligible woman… For instance, in joint families, elderly parents live with their children and grandchildren… So the government has decided to define a family first,' said sources.
According to sources, a family will be defined as husband, wife and children. 'So, if parents are living with their married son/ daughter, the family will be divided according to this definition, ensuring that a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law (or a mother and daughter) can both avail the scheme,' said sources.
Among other criteria, the annual family income is set to be capped at Rs 2.5 lakh. 'The age will be limited to those between 21 years and 60 years, as those who are over 60 years get old age pension. Also, women who are already availing pensions from the government, taxpayers, those with government jobs, and those who own a four-weeler will not be eligible,' said sources.
'There will be other eligibility criteria, including proof of residence (in Delhi)… It will take at least two or three more meetings to finalise the criteria and norms for implementation of the scheme. The government is collecting data from various departments,' said an official.
According to government estimates, the scheme will benefit 20-22 lakh women. A senior official said an online portal is being developed for women to apply for the scheme. 'The Delhi government is also looking at sending SMS or WhatsApp messages to women who have been found eligible,' the official said.
The BJP government has faced criticism from the AAP and Congress for delay in implementing the scheme.