Mahila Samriddhi Yojana: ₹2,500 Payouts May Begin Soon, Delhi BJP Chief Reveals Key Update

New Delhi: There could soon be a big announcement for lakhs of women in Delhi eagerly waiting for financial support under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana. The much-anticipated ₹2,500 monthly transfer scheme, promised during the assembly elections, might finally see the light of day. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva has revealed that a budget of ₹5,000 crore has already been allocated for this initiative. The scheme, however, is currently in the final stages of planning as the government works on its implementation guidelines.

Despite the promise made months ago, there has been no official registration or application process announced yet. This has led to growing public impatience and criticism from opposition parties, who have repeatedly questioned the BJP on the delay.

What is Mahila Samriddhi Yojana?

The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana was introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a part of its election manifesto in Delhi. The proposal aimed to provide financial support of ₹2,500 per month to economically weaker women in the city. The goal was to empower women financially and reduce dependency by providing direct cash transfers into their bank accounts.

Why Is There a Delay?

Speaking exclusively during a public interaction with Navbharat Times, BJP Delhi Chief Virendra Sachdeva explained the reason behind the delay. He stated that while the funds have been allocated, the framework for distribution is still under development. The current focus is on ensuring that the money reaches the right beneficiaries without any leakages.

According to Sachdeva, irregularities in welfare schemes under the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government have made it necessary to take extra precautions. He cited examples of fraudulent beneficiaries in various welfare schemes, such as over 83,000 ineligible women receiving widow pensions with no valid records to support their claims. This alone raised questions about the misuse of nearly ₹200 crore.

He also highlighted discrepancies in the Jai Bheem Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana, where the actual sanctioned budget was ₹15 crore, but expenses shown were as high as ₹145 crore — indicating massive financial mismanagement.

Sachdeva clarified, “We don’t want a single rupee meant for needy women to go into the wrong hands. That's why we're making sure the system is transparent and efficient.”

Will the Scheme Be Announced on August 15?

While there is no official launch date yet, speculations are rife that an important announcement may be made on August 15, India’s Independence Day. Government insiders suggest that preparations are ongoing, and the final guidelines might be released during the celebratory event.

According to preliminary plans, families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh will be eligible for the benefits. However, one key issue under discussion is how to handle households with multiple women — such as a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. To address this, policymakers are reportedly planning to treat them as separate family units, thereby making both eligible for the scheme individually.

Public Expectations Rising

The wait for the rollout has stirred anticipation among Delhi’s women, especially from low-income backgrounds. For many, the ₹2,500 monthly allowance could provide much-needed financial relief amid rising living costs.

The BJP leadership remains confident that the scheme will be launched soon and will be a milestone in women empowerment efforts in the capital. However, until official guidelines are released and registration begins, eligible women will have to remain patient.

In summary, while the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana has yet to be implemented, the groundwork is being laid to ensure its smooth and transparent execution. With ₹5,000 crore already allocated and strict scrutiny of past schemes influencing the rollout, the Delhi government appears committed to delivering a corruption-free and impactful program for women.