"Will work to empower women": Delhi CM Rekha Gupta hails Lakshmi Yojana
New Delhi, August 7
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hailed the direct bank transfer scheme for women, Lakshmi Yojana, stating that the government will make decisions to empower women.
Speaking to ANI as the Delhi Assembly Session kick-starts today, Rekha Gupta stated, "I am happy that we are able to fulfil the promise we made to my sisters in Delhi. I want to tell them I stand with my sisters, and this government, working under the leadership of PM Modi, will also work to take decisions to empower them."
BJP's women leaders and workers welcomed CM Rekha Gupta with garlands at the Assembly for implementing the promised Lakshmi Yojana for Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to eligible women residents of the national capital.
Delhi government had launched the portal for registration under the scheme on August 1. The portal recorded 1.47 lakh registrations within the first day of the process, according to the Delhi Chief Minister's Office.
However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised objections over a 10-year residency requirement, with Saurabh Bharadwaj alleging that the provision may exclude Purvanchali women from the scheme.
Meanwhile, the State Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra is expected to introduce The Delhi Bed and Breakfast Establishments (Repeal) Bill, 2026 in the Assembly today.
The Bill aims to repeal the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Incredible India) Bed and Breakfast Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2007, along with its amendments in 2010 and 2021.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is scheduled to present the CAG report on the Government of NCT of Delhi.
Power Minister Ashish Sood will table the copies of DERC regulations and notifications related to Delhi school education
The House will also witness the presentation of the Fifth Report of the Business Advisory Committee.
The Assembly Session will witness three sittings on August 7, 10 and 11.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but the 10-year residency condition is problematic. Many women from UP, Bihar, and other states have been living and working in Delhi for years. They contribute to the city's economy too. The AAP has a point—this rule could exclude a large number of deserving Purvanchali women. Hope the government reviews this.
❤️ So happy to see this being implemented! My mother who works as a school helper will finally get some financial support. Every little bit helps, especially in these times of rising prices. PM Modi's guarantee seems to be working!
Interesting to see how direct cash transfers are being used as a political tool in Delhi's competitive electoral landscape. While the intention seems good, I wonder about the long-term fiscal sustainability of such schemes. Also, why is the tourism bill being bundled with women's welfare issues? Seems like a mixed bag of agendas in one session.
The 1.47 lakh registrations in just one day shows how desperate people are for this help. But I'm skeptical—will this actually reach the most needy? Or will the eligibility criteria be so strict that only a few benefit? Also, the exclusion of Purvanchalis is concerning. Delhi is a cosmopolitan city; we shouldn't create divisions based on residency duration.
As a woman entrepreneur, I appreciate the government's focus on financial empowerment. Direct transfers help women gain control over household finances. But I also hope the government doesn't stop here—education, skill development, and safety are equally important for true empowerment. Let's not just limit empowerment to a monthly dole.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.