Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Friday announced that registration for the AAP government’s ambitious scheme to provide Rs 1,000 to women in the city will commence within a week. She added that the distribution of funds under the Mahila Samman Yojana would also be launched soon, depending on the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

“The registration process will begin within a week. I cannot commit to when the instalments will start. If the MCC is implemented soon, the first tranche will be disbursed after the elections. Otherwise, the first tranche can be sent before the elections,” Atishi told India Today in an exclusive interview.

The Delhi Assembly election is likely to take place before February 2025.

According to the Chief Minister, around 40 lakh women will be eligible for the Mahila Samman scheme. “Women voters will benefit from the scheme, except for those who are taxpayers, elected representatives, or beneficiaries of government pension schemes. Nearly 40 lakh women would be eligible for the Mahila Samman scheme,” she said.

Addressing allegations that the scheme is an election freebie, she explained that the delay in its implementation was due to the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. “The delay has brought positive results. The Samman Rashi has been increased to Rs 2,100,” she said.

Kejriwal had announced that the direct cash transfer under the scheme would be increased to Rs 2,100 once the AAP returns to power after the elections.

Responding to the BJP’s allegations of an election gimmick, Atishi retorted, “Khisyani billi khamba noche (A frustrated cat scratches the pole).” She asserted that the people of Delhi do not trust the BJP, as the party has failed to deliver on its sole responsibility–law and order.

Atishi also expressed confidence that women voters would continue to support AAP in the upcoming elections.

On concerns that the scheme might burden the state exchequer, she stated, “It is the government’s responsibility to use taxpayers’ money for taxpayers’ benefit.”

“The Delhi budget is not in fiscal deficit, unlike BJP-governed states, where 22 are running at a loss. Delhi’s budget has grown 2.5 times over the last 10 years,” she pointed out.

The Chief Minister emphasised that her party would not engage in corruption in revenue generation or implementation, ensuring that benefits are directly transferred to voters.

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