As Delhi gears up for assembly elections, political parties are making diverse promises aimed at women. The Congress Party has pledged INR 2500 monthly under the 'Beloved Sisters Scheme', while the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party offers INR 2100 as part of its electoral promise. Not far behind, the BJP promises INR 2500 monthly to women, along with INR 21000 for expectant mothers. Additionally, the BJP is also pledging pensions for senior citizens to challenge AAP’s initiatives.
Focus on Female Voters
This strategy of pledging direct benefits to women is not new for political parties. Such efforts have historically spanned the country to engage female voters, who play a decisive role in elections. Recent elections have further highlighted promises centered around women as a focal point by political parties. Alongside central government schemes for women's welfare, state governments have also dedicated substantial resources to women-centric programs.
Research indicates these schemes significantly impact vote share and turnout. Political parties announcing schemes for women often see a marked increase in votes from this demographic. In many elections, women's votes have been decisive for political victories. Both the central and state governments have unveiled a plethora of initiatives for the 2024-25 period aimed toward direct outreach to female voters.
Efforts to promote gender equality and women's welfare have been ongoing nationwide, with both central and state governments allocating substantial budgets for women-centric initiatives. Programs implemented for the financial year 2024-25 emphasize financial aid, health, security, education, and women empowerment.
Central Schemes for Women
The central budget for 2024-25 allocated INR 3.10 lakh crore towards women's empowerment schemes, marking a 38.7% increase from the previous year, constituting approximately 6.5% of the total budget. The following schemes have been rolled out by the central government for women:
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme:
This program, focused on girls' safety and empowerment, has a budget of INR 629 crore, which includes facilities like One Stop Centers and women's helplines.
Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme:
A savings program under the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' initiative, which has now increased its interest rate to 8.2%.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):
This scheme is allocated INR 2500 crore, offering financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
Under this scheme, homemakers receive an LPG cylinder subsidy of INR 300, with a total budget of INR 12,000 crore.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural):
With a budget of INR 7192 crore, this initiative aims to eliminate open defecation in rural areas and includes waste management.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
The mission to deliver tap water to rural areas has earmarked a fund of INR 70163 crore.
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM):
Budgeted at INR 15047 crore, this scheme supports women self-help groups and aids rural livelihoods.
Saksham Anganwadi and Nutrition Mission 2.0:
A budget of INR 21200 crore aids the nourishment of newborns.
Source: aajtak
Alongside the central initiatives, state governments have taken significant steps toward empowering women. Many states have launched women-focused programs, including these examples:
Madhya Pradesh
The state has expended INR 24494 crore for the 'Ladli Behna Scheme' providing INR 1250 monthly to low-income women, along with INR 524 crore on the 'Ladli Laxmi Scheme'. The PM Matru Vandana Scheme incurred expenses of INR 1191 crore for women’s healthcare.
Chhattisgarh
Under the Mahatari Vandana Scheme, INR 5236 crore has been distributed, benefiting over 70 lakh women within eight months.
Telangana
The Mahalakshmi Scheme offers free public transport to women, costing over INR 3000 crore, helping women save about INR 2840 crore.
Delhi
Under the Chief Minister’s Women Honor Scheme, nearly 5 million women in the capital receive INR 1000 monthly. The 'Ladli Scheme' focuses on girls’ education, while the widow pension allocates INR 4794 crore. INR 284 crore is allotted for women’s safety under the Nirbhaya Fund.
Maharashtra
Expenditures on the 'Ladki Bahini Scheme' amount to INR 2.3 crore, with a total allocation of INR 46000 crore to financially empower women. Similarly, a budget of INR 14538 crore is implemented in Uttarakhand for women's financial assistance.
Both central and state governments are investing substantial resources in women's welfare. These measures aim to strengthen women economically while ensuring their health, education, and safety. Such initiatives can potentially transform the lives of millions of women over the coming years. Similarly, political parties in Delhi hope to gain women’s votes by committing to such promises.
