Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Rs 2,500 aid for women, but no cash and excludes those with over 3 children

The Delhi Cabinet has cleared the 'Delhi Lakshmi Yojana', a monthly assistance scheme for women from economically weaker sections, fulfilling a key poll promise made by the ruling BJP. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive Rs 2,500 per month, but the amount will not be given in cash. Instead, beneficiaries must choose between two options that involve investments in fixed deposits or a digital rupee wallet, with restrictions on spending on items like alcohol and tobacco.

The scheme is expected to benefit about 17 lakh women, with a budget allocation of Rs 5,110 crore for the financial year 2026-27. To be eligible, women must be between 21 and 60 years of age, with a family income of up to Rs 2.50 lakh per annum. However, women with more than three children are excluded from the scheme.

Chief Minister Gupta announced that the registration portal will open on August 1, and the first instalment is scheduled to be released on Raksha Bandhan (August 28). She described the scheme as a step towards self-reliance for lakhs of women, noting that the government fulfilled its promise within just over a year of assuming office.

Beneficiaries can choose between two models: Option 1 provides Rs 1,000 monthly into a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallet for daily expenses, with Rs 1,500 invested in a recurring or fixed deposit. Option 2 invests the entire Rs 2,500 into a deposit account, building long-term savings. The CBDC wallet includes a negative list that blocks transactions for alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, lottery, gambling, and other prohibited goods or services, enforced technologically through the platform.

The government will select a bank offering the highest interest rate for the deposit accounts. This scheme combines financial assistance with responsible utilisation of public funds, distinguishing it from similar initiatives in other states.