Laxmi scheme rolled out, sparks BJP-AAP war
New Delhi: The Delhi government on Wednesday launched its much-awaited Delhi Laxmi Scheme, bringing women’s welfare back to the centre of the political battle between the ruling BJP and opposition Aam Aadmi Party.
the scheme at Talkatora Stadium, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta accused the previous AAP government of leaving behind a heavy debt burden and financial irregularities, which she claimed delayed the welfare programme by nearly one-and-a-half years.
Gupta said the BJP government had wanted to implement the scheme soon after coming to power as promised during the elections, but first had to address the financial situation it inherited.
“Our government wanted to launch this scheme right at the beginning. We had promised it during the elections as well. But the financial irregularities and debt burden left behind by the previous government took a long time to address,” she said.
Taking a swipe at AAP, Gupta alleged that the previous government had promised financial assistance to women but failed to implement such a scheme during its tenure. She also accused earlier governments of allowing political and procedural hurdles to delay welfare benefits.
“The wait of Delhi’s women is finally over,” Gupta said, adding that her government was committed to women’s dignity, safety and financial independence.
Under the Delhi Laxmi Scheme, eligible women will receive direct financial assistance aimed at helping them meet essential expenses and strengthening their economic independence.
The government said the application and benefit-transfer process would be digitally driven and transparent, reducing the need for beneficiaries to repeatedly visit government offices.
The BJP government is projecting the scheme as a major initiative for women’s economic empowerment and social security.
The launch, however, has also acquired a strong political dimension, with Gupta using the occasion to target the previous AAP administration over its financial management and record on women’s welfare.