Thu Dec 12 19:54:49 UTC 2024: ## Delhi’s Women’s Stipend Scheme Delayed Until After February Elections
**New Delhi, December 13, 2024** – The Delhi government’s much-anticipated Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, promising a monthly stipend to women, will not begin until after the February Assembly elections. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal announced Thursday that the stipend has been increased to ₹2,100, but the first payment will be delayed due to the upcoming election’s model code of conduct.
Registration for the scheme opens Friday, but the first disbursement will only occur after the election. The scheme, originally slated for September, allocates ₹2,000 crore and aims to benefit approximately 45 lakh women. Mr. Kejriwal attributed the delay to his arrest in connection with a now-scrapped excise policy.
The BJP criticized the announcement, calling it a pre-election ploy. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva highlighted the missed September deadline.
Internal government documents reveal concerns from the Finance Department regarding the scheme’s substantial financial burden on the exchequer. However, Deputy Chief Minister Atishi countered that the scheme is essential to support Delhi’s women. The scheme was first announced in the 2024-25 budget.
First Piper 