A little to money of their own: Women in Delhi look forward to monthly aid under Lakshmi Yojana

For years, domestic worker Renu has spent every cent she earns on her family. On Wednesday, as she mingled with hundreds of women at Talkatora Stadium, she contemplated what she might finally purchase for herself. Renu, a domestic helper earning Rs 8,000 monthly, was among the 300 servant quarters selected to receive sanction letters for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana.

"I haven't decided yet how I will utilize the funds," she admitted, "Let the money enter our account first, then I will believe it." Renu, whose odd job-husband earns around Rs 15,000 monthly, realized that many women shared her sentiment of wanting to keep some money for themselves, rather than spending all on husbands, children, and household necessities.

The Delhi government launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a key election promise from the previous year when the BJP regained power in the Capital after three decades. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Union Minister and Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, and other ministers symbolically presented sanction letters to 65 women.

Approximately 4,190 beneficiaries attended the event. The scheme provides women aged 21 to 60 with Rs 2,500 per month starting September 1. Out of this, Rs 1,000 will be transferred to a digital wallet for spending, while Rs 1,500 will be deposited into a Fixed Deposit or Recurring Deposit to foster savings.

For 40-year-old tailoring shop owner Roopa Saini, the monthly aid could finally enable her to save. Roopa earns Rs 12,000 from her shop, with Rs 8,000 going towards rent. The remainder is spent on household items. "We are unable to save for emergencies," she explained. For 42-year-old Anuradha Devi, the assistance will aid in managing medical expenses.

Her spouse is a security guard earning roughly Rs 15,000 monthly. Recently, Anuradha was diagnosed with spinal issues and a partially blocked brain vein. She currently manages treatments at a government hospital but must purchase medicines from outside. She hopes to repay borrowed funds from friends and family using savings from the scheme.

While many beneficiaries like Renu and Roopa appreciate the monthly assistance, some have higher aspirations. Sangam Vihar resident Anjum Gupta (37) expressed her gratitude for the aid but emphasized the importance of better public services. "The money would help with daily expenses," she stated, "But improved schools and hospitals would alleviate our burden even more. The government should focus on enhancing these services."