Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: 5.92 lakh register, first instalment on Raksha Bandhan

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said registrations for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana will continue until the target of 17 lakh women is met. Livemint reports that 5.92 lakh registrations have been completed in the first 10 days. The scheme provides Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to eligible women from economically weaker sections. The first instalment is planned for release on Raksha Bandhan, 28 August. The state budget has allocated Rs 5,100 crore for the scheme.

Rediff.com, citing a government notification, reports strict guidelines: beneficiaries found ineligible at any stage will face discontinuation of aid, recovery of funds, and potential fraud charges. Eligibility criteria include being a Delhi voter, family income under Rs 2.5 lakh, and 10-year residency. Exclusions apply to government employees, income-tax payees, and families with more than three children or high electricity consumption. Of the Rs 2,500, Rs 1,500 will go into a locked RD or FD account, and Rs 1,000 into a CBDC wallet with restrictions on alcohol, tobacco, and gambling.

Applications remain open year-round via the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana portal. The last day of each month is the cut-off for applications to be considered for benefits from the following month, subject to approval.