Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday, 26 August 2025, formally launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a scheme that will deliver ₹2,500 per month directly into the bank accounts of eligible women across the national capital through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The launch coincided with Raksha Bandhan, with Gupta distributing verification and approval certificates to the first 2,500 beneficiaries to formally initiate transfers.

Scheme at a Glance

The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana was first announced and opened for registration on 1 August 2025. In less than four weeks, 9,22,000 women had enrolled, according to Chief Minister Gupta. The monthly assistance is routed entirely through DBT, bypassing intermediaries and crediting funds directly to individual bank accounts. The 2,500 certificates handed over on Wednesday mark the first cohort of verified beneficiaries cleared for disbursement.

What the Chief Minister Said

'We launched this scheme on August 1; since then, 9,22,000 sisters have registered their names under this scheme. Today, under this ₹2,500 monthly Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, we have officially handed over verification and approval certificates to the first 2,500 sisters, who are the initial beneficiaries to receive the benefits of this scheme,' Gupta said at the event.

Gupta linked the initiative to a broader philosophy of women-led development, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on female empowerment. 'Until the woman of a household progresses, prospers, and has her challenges resolved, the nation's problems cannot be solved,' she said.

On the Ground: Beneficiary Response

Beneficiaries at the event described the scheme as transformative for homemakers who lack independent income. One recipient said, 'I am very happy. Thank you very much. This has provided me with a huge financial boost before Raksha Bandhan.' Another called it a 'symbol of women's freedom,' adding, 'Until now, only the breadwinners were free; now we are also free. This will provide us with significant financial support.'

BJP Frames It as 'Modi Guarantee' Fulfilled

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Anil Goyal, speaking at the event, described the launch as the fulfilment of a poll promise made during the Delhi Assembly election campaign. 'This was the "Modi Guarantee" given during the elections, when the government was being formed in Delhi, and today that guarantee is being fulfilled. This proves that there is no difference between the BJP's words and actions,' Goyal said.

Broader Context

The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana is part of a wider pattern of direct cash-transfer schemes for women that have gained political traction across Indian states — from Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna to Maharashtra's Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin. Critics of such schemes, however, have raised questions about fiscal sustainability and whether one-time or recurring cash transfers translate into lasting economic independence. The Delhi government has not yet publicly detailed the total annual outlay or the eligibility criteria beyond 'eligible women.' With nearly 9.22 lakh registrations already logged, the scheme's scale — and its budgetary footprint — will face scrutiny in the months ahead.