New Delhi:

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced the commencement of registrations for two new welfare schemes — Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana — starting December 23.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal outlined the benefits of the schemes and the door-to-door registration drive that AAP workers will undertake to ensure widespread participation.

Under the Mahila Samman Yojana, every woman in Delhi will receive Rs 2,100 monthly. This initiative aims to support women in managing household expenses and pursuing higher education.

Highlighting the importance of the scheme, Kejriwal said, “We know how hard mothers and sisters work. Many manage their households while working outside. This Rs 2,100 will help daughters complete their college education and enable housewives to handle rising household expenses or fulfil their personal aspirations, such as buying a saree or suit for themselves.”

“Ever since this scheme was announced, we have been inundated with calls and queries about registration. Today, I want to announce that registration will begin tomorrow. You do not need to stand in lines or waste time. Our AAP teams will visit your homes, register the women, and provide a registration card. Keep this card safe,” the AAP convenor added.

Kejriwal also elaborated on the Sanjeevani Yojana, a free healthcare initiative for senior citizens aged 60 and above. Under this scheme, the Delhi government will bear all treatment costs in both government and private hospitals, irrespective of income level.

“The middle class, which has tirelessly contributed to the country’s progress by paying taxes, often finds itself neglected during retirement. The biggest concern for many is how to afford healthcare in old age. I want to assure all senior citizens that the AAP government will take care of your medical expenses,” Kejriwal stated.

Registration for both schemes will start simultaneously, with AAP teams visiting households to ensure enrollment. Kejriwal emphasised that Delhi voters are eligible for the schemes and urged people to keep their voter IDs ready.

He also took an indirect dig at the opposition, accusing them of cancelling voter IDs to deprive people of welfare benefits. “Check if your voter ID is active. If it has been cancelled, inform us immediately, and we will ensure it is reinstated,” he said.

Kejriwal, along with Atishi and Manish Sisodia, announced that they would personally visit certain areas to kickstart the registration process.

“This is a significant step towards empowering women and ensuring healthcare for the elderly. Tomorrow, the drive begins in full swing across Delhi,” he concluded.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana: Months ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday (Dec 12) notified the launch of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana under which eligible women above the age of 18 will be offered monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000. The former Delhi chief minister added that the sum will be increased to Rs 2,100 if AAP returns to power. The initiative aims to provide financial support to women, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. A budget of Rs 2,000 crore has been set aside for this scheme, which was proposed in the Delhi government’s 2024/25 budget.

“I had promised Rs 1,000 per month for women of Delhi. And I am happy to announce that CM Atishi’s cabinet has approved this scheme today. Now women can register and avail this scheme,” Mr Kejriwal said during a press conference.

Eligibility for Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana

• You must be a permanent resident of Delhi.
• The age of the applicant must be 18 or above on the date of cabinet decision i.e. December 12, 2024.

Exclusion criteria

• Beneficiaries from any social security schemes such as Disability Pension Scheme, Old Age Pension and financial assistance scheme for women in distress.
• Any woman who has paid income tax in the last assessment cycle is also ineligible.
• Present of former elected woman public representative (MP, MLA or councillor).
• Past or present permanent government employees (either in central government, state government or local bodies).

Documents required

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card
• PAN card
• Bank account details
• Address proof:
• Income certificate:
• Self-declaration:An affidavit declaring you meet the eligibility criteria (including not receiving other benefits) might be required.

Also Read | AAP’s Poll Special: Rs 1,000 A Month For Delhi Women, Rs 2,100 If It Wins

How to apply?

According to Chief Minister Atishi, the government is aiming to start the online registration process in the upcoming days after notifying it on Thursday (Dec 12).

“Work is underway to work on the registration process. We will make an effort to see that in the next 7-10 days, the registration process for Mahila Samman Yojana begins,” said CM Atishi during a press briefing.

The Project Management Unit (PMU) is being set up to oversee the online platform that will expedite the registration process.

When will the money be credited?

The Delhi CM said the money being credited into the beneficiary’s accounts will depend on the announcement of the election dates. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the poll dates in January. The Delhi CM added that she was hoping that the beneficiaries would receive at least one or two instalments before March 31, 2025.

However, as per multiple media reports, it may take more than three months for the first installment to show in the bank accounts as the online portal, crucial to the implementation of the scheme is yet to go live. The portal has to be fully developed and tested before being made operational. The AAP government is expected to hire an agency for the PMU.