Aid for women not 'revdi'; using taxes for welfare, says Atishi
Delhi government's new scheme, Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises ₹1,000 per month to women above 18 years of age is not «revdi» (freebie) but a social welfare initiative aimed at empowering women and boosting economic liquidity, Delhi finance minister Atishi has said.
Speaking to ET, Atishi said AAP government's schemes had been criticised as «revdi» by political opponents but the state government was utilising taxes paid by the people for their welfare. «If we can run the government in fiscal surplus and also give the citizens of Delhi everything (free electricity, water, healthcare and education), why shouldn't we? What is bothering the opponents so much?
Atishi presented the Budget 2024-25 on Monday, announcing the programme for women over 18 who are not income-tax payers, have a government employment, or get a pension. According to Delhi government estimates, 45-50 lakh women out of 67 lakh women voters will be eligible under this initiative.
While AAP government in Delhi is expected to introduce the scheme in June this year, it has been unable to fulfil a similar promise of ₹1,000 per month made in the run-up to Punjab elections in February 2022. Atishi defended the delay and said AAP had inherited several financial crises in Punjab. «In Punjab, we have inherited multiple crises. When we came to power, we saw the state suffering long power cuts and no canal water ever available for irrigation. We are putting our house in order, improving basic things like electricity, healthcare system, water
