Latest news with #MahilaSamriddhiYojana
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Capital in sync: How bureaucrats & ministers are powering BJP's Delhi push
In its first 100 days in power, the BJP-led Delhi government has moved swiftly on key development initiatives, aided by close coordination with central ministries and Lt-Governor V K Saxena. Major decisions include the Cabinet nod regarding the formation of a Group of Ministers for the rollout of the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, a Bill to regulate private school fee hikes, and the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. Officials attribute the pace of work to the BJP's control, both electorally and bureaucratically, at four levels — Centre, State, and both municipal corporations — which has enabled what the party refers to as a 'four-engine' model of governance. At the heart of this approach is, what sources in the bureaucracy term, a core group of handpicked bureaucrats posted across city and central departments, tasked with delivering 'visible and tangible change' on tight deadlines when it comes to developmental projects across the country. Domain experts and aides posted in the Prime Minister's Office since the formation of the BJP government in 2014 aside, this network has been built gradually. It also received a nudge in the last three months through at least three recent reshuffles, involving over 50 IAS, IPS and DANICS officials in Delhi. Among the key appointments is that of 2006-batch IAS officer Kaushal Raj Sharma. 'Earlier this month, the PM-led Appointments Committee of the Cabinet handpicked Sharma, a Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer, who has served in the PM's Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi, as the new CEO of the Delhi Jal Board,' a source said. In February, three senior IAS officers with significant tenures at the Centre were given key postings in the new Delhi Chief Minister's Office. As per an order issued by the Services department of the Delhi government, Dr Madhu Rani Teotia, a 2008-batch AGMUT cadre officer, was posted as Secretary to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta while Sandeep Kumar Singh and Ravi Jha, both of whom belong to the 2011 batch of the Central cadre, were appointed special secretaries. Before this, 2005-batch UP cadre officer Surendra Singh had been brought to the L-G's Secretariat on inter-cadre deputation in 2022. Under PM's watch According to bureaucratic sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is personally involved in Delhi's development agenda to transform it into a 'world-class capital'. A party insider pointed out that Delhi, located between important BJP-ruled states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with which it shares contiguous borders, has emerged as the core of the BJP's development politics agenda, especially in terms of urban infrastructure. 'Delhi's administration is now atop a list of BJP-ruled states where development-related projects are helmed by a team of bureaucrats and advisors with separate areas — ranging from waterbody rejuvenation to urban infrastructure development among others — under their charge, at the PM's office,' a source said. The Yamuna river rejuvenation, in addition to water supply and sewage management in the city, is a prime example of the PM's involvement. The source added, 'Bear in mind a meeting chaired on the rejuvenation of the Yamuna by PM Modi himself and then by Union Home Minister Amit Shah…' The PM, officials said, has set a timeline for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna — a year-and-a-half. Entities related to a similar project on the Narmada river in Gujarat are said to have made multiple presentations to 'the highest levels of the central government' since February. The PM's direct involvement when it comes to developmental projects in Delhi is not new but, given the formation of the BJP's government in Delhi on the cusp of almost three decades and his electoral pitch of transforming the city during the elections, more crucial as a deliverable. According to a senior government official, previous instances of development-related projects in the Capital under direct scrutiny by Modi in the recent past include the Central Vista Project, Bharat Mandapam and construction of the new Parliament. Central cooperation According to an official, while there was no denying the Centre's 'amenability for cooperation', this was not only 'natural' but also systemic. Over the past three months, union ministers have shown open support for Delhi's new administration. Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has approved projects related to decongesting highways passing through the city, while Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has committed that the country's top educational institutions will work with the Delhi government to find solutions for its challenges. Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal has chaired a meeting with Gupta and officials from 13 Delhi government departments to discuss solutions for water, road, traffic and infrastructure projects. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has hosted the Delhi CM along with industry experts to chalk out a way forward for various development-related projects. This is a far cry from when AAP was in power, which saw frequent and public displays of animosity between the elected government and the L-G's Secretariat over the conduct of bureaucrats. The battle over who has control over the Services department — and an SC order in favour of the elected government but which was nullified by the Centre via the GNCTD Amendment Act — was a trigger for several run-ins. From not releasing funds for developmental projects to sabotaging key schemes, the AAP Delhi government had levelled a slew of charges against bureaucrats, accusing them of toeing the Centre's line. A senior government officer, however, said, 'It will be unfair to compare 11 years of the previous (AAP) government's rule with the 100 days of a new (BJP) government, but what has been on display in the city since its formation is cooperative federalism as far as Centre-State relations are concerned, coordination between Raj Niwas and the CM's office, and the restoration of trust between the Delhi government and its tools, the bureaucracy.' 'Central ministries are stepping forward with suggestions about projects, yes — but it is not like they did not do so during the tenure of the previous government. Look at the Delhi Metro and the NAMO RRTS projects — partnerships between the Centre and Delhi — being starved of funds over the last decade and ending up in courts,' the officer added. The Delhi government, according to another officer, 'very much has a say' in policy decisions when it comes to the city, despite a more proactive approach being exhibited by the Centre through its ministries. 'This period is a far cry from the previous government's tenure, which started with a bit of aggression, a deep distrust of the existing order, antagonism towards the bureaucracy and a skewed idea of a war against corruption — where everyone was corrupt except themselves,' the officer added. What had also come to the fore in the last 100 days was a change in the 'institution of the CM' per se, said another official. 'Unlike the tenures of the previous two CMs (AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi), the institution of the CM itself has undergone a positive transformation. She (Gupta) is visibly in command, signing off on decisions related to most government departments which have been assigned to her and is in consultation and not confrontation with either the L-G or the Centre,' this official said. 'Whether it is a transferred subject or not, they (the Delhi government) have consulted the L-G on various matters related to the city's administration without any skirmish or rough creases even in rare instances of disagreements. In terms of development and a cooperative approach, many in bureaucratic circles refer to (former Congress CM) Sheila Dikshit's art of statesmanship in Delhi as far as the new CM's approach is concerned,' the official added. Jatin Anand is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express. Over the last 15 years, he has covered bureaucracy & politics, crime, traffic & intelligence, the Election Commission of India & Urban Development among other beats. He is an English (Literature) graduate from Zakir Husain Delhi College, DU & specialised in Print at the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. He tweets @jatinpaul ... Read More
India Gazette
20 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
'Mahila Samriddhi Yojana' will be launched in Delhi, 3-member ministerial committee formed for the scheme
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): The Delhi government is set to launch the 'Mahila Samriddhi Yojana' to empower women. A three-member ministerial committee has been formed for this scheme, comprising Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, and Kapil Mishra. Two meetings have already taken place. Discussions have been held regarding the scheme's framework, eligibility criteria, and implementation process. A dedicated website is being developed to simplify the application process for women. The government has emphasised that the scheme will not be rushed but will be implemented with a comprehensive and long-term vision. Meanwhile, BJP leader Mohan Singh Bisht praised the BJP-led Delhi government for their transformative first hundred days and highlighted the significant achievements and a proactive approach that restored the public trust after 27 years. 'The first hundred days of our government have been transformative. Significant work has been accomplished, reflecting a clear shift since the BJP assumed power in Delhi after twenty-seven years. This change has led to a proactive, working government that inspires hope and confidence among the people. We hold the key to Delhi's development, and I am confident that the city will progress under our leadership,' he said. He credited Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for demonstrating strong willpower in driving Delhi's development while criticising the AAP for continuing to suppress public voices in the Assembly. 'The achievements in these hundred days demonstrate how effectively the system has functioned and how it has won the trust of the people. Restoring faith in governance for the development of Delhi's citizens was a critical task. Our Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, has proven that with strong willpower, the path to progress becomes clear and achievable,' he said. Following the completion of 100 days in office as the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta said that it was not just a responsibility but a 'politics centred on public service, and policies that are for public welfare.' In her 'X' post, Rekha Gupta mentioned that in 100 days, her government has worked towards fulfilling every promise, and her priority was also clear: 'development that can be seen as well as felt.' CM Gupta highlighted that her government endeavours to make Delhi a 'strong, safe, and inclusive capital ' through cleanliness, security, women's empowerment, and e-governance. She further thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas'. (ANI)
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Opposition has habit of raising questions": Delhi CM Rekha Gupta presents 100-day report card of her govt
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday presented her government's 100-day report card at the '100 Din Seva Ke' program in delhi, where she said that the opposition has a habit of raising questions. While speaking to the media after the event, CM Gupta said, 'We had a discussion on the works done by the Delhi government in 100 opposition has a habit of raising Samriddhi Yojana will be released after all the legal proceedings are completed.' She highlighted the major developmental initiatives and public welfare schemes. She said the government had taken decisions in the people's interest and reaffirmed its commitment to completing legal formalities for the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana. 'We presented the report card of the work done by the Delhi government in 100 days. We took decisions keeping in mind the public have worked for the development of Delhi in 100 days,' Gupta added. The Chief Minister listed several initiatives undertaken during her tenure and stated that despite continuous criticism from the opposition, her govenment had remained focused on performance and delivery. The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, which aims to promote women's welfare and financial empowerment, was among the key promises made by the government. CM Gupta assured that all legal procedures related to the scheme were underway and that its rollout would happen soon. Meanwhile, several senior BJP leaders presented a report card highlighting their work and achievements at th The leaders claimed that the government delivered visible results across various sectors in just over three months, from pollution control and education reforms to women's welfare and governance. Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh praised the government's efforts and took a dig at Arvind Kejriwal. 'We felt very good when the Chief Minister of Delhi told us about the achievements of the Delhi government in 100 have done what Arvind Kejriwal could not do in 10 triple-engine government will provide solutions to all the problems of the public of Delhi,' the mayor said. Delhi Minister Ashish Sood listed key initiatives taken during the period, saying, 'The Delhi government has been working on all government has made a law on 'fees mafia' in 100 days...A sprinkler has been installed on every building to control pollution. ' BJP MP Manoj Tiwari praised the cooperation between the Centre and the Delhi government. He said, '...The double engine government is working on the development of Delhi, and we will transform Delhi in five years...' Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva called the 100-day report card a sign of change, stating, 'The 100-day report card shows the changing picture of Delhi. Our government is committed to the development of Delhi and we are continuously working in that direction...' After attending the Delhi government's programme to celebrate 100 days of the government, Actor Anupam Kher said, 'My questions were the questions of the public of Delhi...I collected the questions from my relatives, friends and other people of Delhi. She (Delhi CM Rekha Gupta) answered them truthfully and vocally...I hope that what she spoke about today with truth, resonates also after four years of her completion.' (ANI)
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Delhi: Data, verification, eligibility— why Mahila Samriddhi scheme is stuck
Non-availability of consolidated data of eligible beneficiaries, time-consuming verification process, and delay in developing an online portal are among the reasons behind the delay in implementing the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, one of the top poll promises of the ruling BJP. Under the scheme, the government has promised a monthly aid of Rs 2,500 to women with a household income under Rs 2.5 lakh. The BJP initially promised to deliver the scheme by March 8, International Women's Day. However, it was approved by the Delhi Cabinet after the deadline passed, and a budget of Rs 5,100 crore was allocated. The government constituted a high-level committee headed by CM Rekha Gupta and ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Ashish Sood as members to finalise the eligibility criteria, norms, and implementation of this scheme. Asked about the reasons behind the delay and expected launch of the scheme, the CM said, 'I believe that the time we've had so far is a very short period to implement a detailed and foolproof plan. It needs to be fully prepared and presented to the public.' She said verification of eligible candidates will be completed, and registration will take place. 'As I have repeatedly said, the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme is not a one-time scheme. It is meant to reach every single woman who comes from a poor family… We do not want even a single eligible woman to be left out… We don't want to implement it in a hurry,' she added. 'We want this scheme to be implemented in a way that an eligible woman can apply every month for financial assistance… Work is on to create a detailed plan… It will soon be implemented,' the CM added. The Delhi government has decided to create a unique data hub with consolidated data to identify eligible candidates, according to officials. To collect this data, the department has started verification of ration card and BPL (below poverty line) card holders to weed out ineligible candidates. The IT department, which is executing the data hub project, has selected six departments — Department of Women and Child Development, Social Welfare, Revenue, MCD, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, and Labour — on a pilot basis to implement its ambitious Unified Data Hub (UDH) project, which will consolidate data from various departments in a single space to ensure only eligible people avail the benefits of welfare schemes. Moreover, sources said, the committee formed to decide the eligibility norms for the Rs 2,500 scheme met last week under the chairmanship of the CM. 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; one beneficiary per family; and non-owner of a vehicle — these are among the eligibility criteria being considered for the scheme. 'The scheme is likely to be implemented before the Bihar elections, which are in November,' an official said.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
₹2,500 monthly aid will reach every eligible woman: CM
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said 100 days are not enough to implement a 'vast and full-fledged initiative' like the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, which will provide ₹2,500 monthly to Delhi's women, and assured that the scheme will reach every eligible woman. Responding to a question by reporters on the scheme, the Chief Minister said, 'This is not a one-time scheme but a full-fledged initiative that requires a well-examined plan for implementation. We do not want any woman to be left behind.' The BJP had officially launched the scheme, a key promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly election, on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8 and ₹5,100 crore was allocated in the Delhi budget for its implementation. The government, however, is yet to fix the eligibility criteria for the grant. Ms. Gupta has also constituted a committee headed by her, with Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood and Kapil Mishra as its members, for the implementation of the scheme.
