NEW DELHI: Congress on Monday promised to provide Rs 2,500 to every woman if elected to power under ‘Pyaari Didi’ Yojana in a bid to appeal to Delhi’s women voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
Karnataka’s deputy chief minister, DK Shivakumar, launched the scheme on Monday, expressing confidence that the Congress will secure victory in Delhi. “We will implement this scheme as soon as we form the government, and Rs 2,500 will be given to women, just like we did in Karnataka,” he said, referring to a similar initiative in his home state.
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav, the party’s Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin, and other senior leaders were present during the announcement.
This announcement comes on the heels of a similar promise from Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who heads the AAP-led government. Kejriwal had earlier declared the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojna, under which the monthly financial assistance to women will be increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,100 after the elections. However, the AAP leader clarified that the funds would be credited only after the polls.
AAP’s scheme targets women above the age of 18 who are registered voters in Delhi, with some exclusions. Those not eligible include current or former permanent government employees, Members of Parliament, MLAs, councillors, and those who paid income tax in the last assessment cycle. According to AAP, over 22 lakh women are expected to benefit from the initiative.
The AAP government in Delhi has been providing free electricity to domestic consumers using up to 200 units per month, and a 50% subsidy for those consuming between 201 and 400 units. Piped water is also free for households using up to 20KL per month.
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, likely to be held in February, Congress has announced candidates for 47 of the 70 constituencies, while AAP has declared its candidates for all seats. The BJP has also released its first list of candidates, fielding Parvesh Verma against Kejriwal in New Delhi constituency.