NEW DELHI: With the new Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership under Chief Minister Atishi now in place, the Delhi government is speeding up its initiative to provide financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month to women aged 18 to 60. This scheme is expected to launch following the Haryana elections, according to sources.

The Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, announced in the annual budget by Atishi when she served as finance minister, aims to assist women from families with an annual income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh. The government is currently finalizing the details of this policy and plans to present it to the cabinet for approval within the next two to three weeks. Officials estimate that approximately 50 lakh women will benefit from this initiative.

As Delhi prepares for assembly elections in February 2025, this proposed monthly stipend for financially vulnerable women is a key policy that the new AAP government intends to implement in the coming months. A budget of Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for this scheme in the financial year 2024-25.

Just a day after taking office, Atishi convened a meeting with all ministers and officials to discuss government operations and future plans. Although no specific projects were mentioned during the meeting, sources indicate that the government is organizing its strategy for the next few months, with the Mahila Samman Nidhi Yojana being a top priority.

Kailash Gahlot, the new minister for women and child development (WCD), expressed his intention to hold meetings with officials shortly to finalize the draft scheme. He mentioned that they are examining similar programs in other states, like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and will prepare the draft for feedback before it goes to the cabinet.

Under the preliminary proposal, women aged between 18 and 60 with an annual family income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh will qualify for the Rs 1,000 monthly assistance. However, women employed by the government, those who pay taxes, or own a car will not be eligible. The scheme will also be open to married, divorced, and abandoned women who meet the criteria. Atishi had previously indicated that the program could launch in September or October. Once the cabinet approves it, the policy will require the Lieutenant Governor's approval before being officially announced.

During the meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat, which included ministers and department heads, Atishi emphasized the need for the government and officials to provide the best possible services to Delhi's residents. She remarked, “The government and officials are accountable to the people. Our work relies on the taxes paid by the citizens of Delhi, and it’s our duty to ensure we provide excellent services and uphold our responsibilities with integrity."

Atishi also shared images from the meeting on social media, stating: "Today, I held a meeting with all cabinet colleagues and department heads. Our accountability is towards the people of Delhi. With the cooperation of all officials, we will strive to improve services and fulfill the vision of Arvind Kejriwal."

The general administration department has requested proposals from all departments by Wednesday to prepare the cabinet agenda, indicating that the first cabinet meeting is expected to occur soon.

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