The Impressive TimesNEW DELHI , 13 Dec , 2024 – Chief Minister Atishi, on Friday, announced that the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana is ready for implementation, with its cabinet decision being notified. With registrations expected to begin within 10 days, the scheme aims to provide ₹1,000 per month to all adult women of Delhi, fulfilling a commitment made during the February budget under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal.
Highlighting the extensive welfare measures taken by the Aam Aadmi Party government over the past decade—including free education, healthcare, and bus travel for women—CM Atishi emphasized that this new scheme represents a significant step toward ensuring true empowerment through financial independence.
Speaking at a press conference, Chief Minister Atishi announced, “Yesterday morning, the Delhi government’s cabinet made a significant decision by approving the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana. The scheme was passed by the cabinet last night, and the decision was notified by the evening. I am delighted to share that the promise made by the Delhi government under the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal during the February budget has been fulfilled. This promise ensures that every woman aged 18 and above in Delhi will receive an honorarium. Despite several conspiracies by our opponents to obstruct this initiative, the Delhi government, true to its word under Kejriwal’s leadership, has delivered on this commitment.”
As per the cabinet’s decision, which was notified yesterday evening, all women who are residents of Delhi as of December 12, 2024, and are registered voters, will be eligible for the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana. However, certain categories of women are not eligible for this scheme. These include:
– Current or former permanent government employees, whether in the Central Government, Delhi Government, or MCD.
– Women who are or have been MPs, MLAs, or Councillors.
– Women who have paid income tax in the previous assessment cycle.
– Women already receiving pensions under Delhi government schemes, such as old-age pensions, widow pensions, or disability pensions.
“All other women aged 18 and above will be entitled to receive ₹10,000 as an honorarium under this scheme. The notification was issued yesterday evening, and efforts are underway to begin the registration process. We aim to start registrations within the next 7-10 days,” CM Atishi said.
Talking about why this scheme was needed, the CM Atishi said that the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana has been introduced because the Delhi government recognizes the challenges women face, especially those who are not financially independent. “Women, regardless of their age, often have to depend on men for their minor expenses. As children, they rely on their fathers, as adults on their husbands, and in old age on their sons. The Delhi government, under the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal, is perhaps the only government that truly understands the struggles of women, which led to the inception of this scheme.”
She further asserted that this initiative is not an isolated step toward empowering women. “Over the past decade, the elected government of Delhi has consistently worked for the welfare of women and girls. Significant progress has been made in various areas.”
The Chief Minister noted that the transformation of government schools has primarily benefited girls. “Previously, families who could afford private schooling would prioritize their sons, sending their daughters to government schools. Today, with high-quality education available in government schools, girls are also receiving the education they deserve,” she stated.
Talking about healthcare, she noted that women, especially from lower-income and lower-middle-class backgrounds, often neglected their health due to financial constraints. “A minor illness would lead to fears of significant expenses for doctor consultations, medicines, and tests. A single visit to the doctor could mean Rs 500 for consultation, Rs 500 for medicine, and another Rs 500 for tests—enough to derail their monthly budget. Today, with the establishment of Mohalla Clinics in every locality, women can access free healthcare. These clinics have been instrumental in ensuring women take care of their health.”
One of the most impactful measures, CM Atishi stated, has been providing free bus travel for women. “Over the past five years, more than 40 crore rides have been availed using pink tickets. Approximately 11 lakh women travel daily on DTC buses at no cost. This initiative has made it easier for girls to attend distant colleges, for women to seek jobs, and for elderly women to travel without financial worries.”
CM Atishi asserted that over the past decade, whether through improvements in education, access to healthcare, or free bus travel, the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, has consistently worked to empower women. “While education, healthcare, and free transportation have significantly empowered women, true empowerment comes from financial independence. This is why the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana was introduced. I firmly believe this scheme will enable women in Delhi to take charge of their lives, make decisions, and contribute effectively to their families and society.”
Replying to a media query on the scheme having an income criterion linked to income tax payment, she said, “Women who pay income tax are not eligible for the scheme. Unlike schemes with generic income criteria, we’ve tied eligibility to tax payment to ensure transparency. Women paying income tax typically have an annual income exceeding ₹5 lakhs. Such women may not require the ₹1,000 monthly honorarium.”
She added, “We deliberately avoided a family income criterion because many families with higher incomes still restrict women’s financial independence. Even in well-off families, domestic violence or financial abuse can prevent women from accessing family income. Women who are financially dependent and meet the criteria are eligible for the scheme. We believe only those who genuinely need this support will apply.”
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