Kejriwal's Assurance: Women to Receive Rs 2,100 Monthly, Says CM Atishi (IANS Interview)

New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Atishi confidently remarked that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will retain power in the forthcoming Assembly elections, emphasizing that today's revelation regarding the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ offering Rs 2,100 each month is a clear indication of party leader Arvind Kejriwal's unwavering commitment to his pledges.

As the Assembly elections approach to elect a new 70-member body, Atishi criticized opposing parties for their skepticism towards AAP's promises and for disseminating misinformation.

Here is the complete interview:

IANS: The Delhi Cabinet sanctioned the financial aid program for women today. When can we expect the funds to start being deposited into their accounts?

Atishi: In March, Arvind Kejriwal declared a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,000 for every woman. However, if he hadn't been imprisoned due to a conspiracy by opposing parties, women in Delhi would have already received several installments of the promised assistance. Since Kejriwal's release from jail, he has been dedicated to fulfilling his commitment to women, culminating in today's significant announcement.

IANS: Will the delay in the implementation of the Mahila Samman Yojana affect its electoral advantages?

Atishi: Interestingly, the delay has yielded an unexpected advantage. During the scheme's development, women persuaded Kejriwal that the initially promised Rs 1,000 might be insufficient. Consequently, Kejriwal has now pledged that once we win the Assembly elections, the financial assistance per woman will increase to Rs 2,100.

IANS: Some critics argue that this financial assistance initiative will strain the Delhi government's finances.

Atishi: The Delhi government is the only one operating at a profit. I find it astounding that the BJP questions our budget when their party's administrations in 22 states are incurring losses. Over the past decade, the Delhi government has remarkably increased its budget by two-and-a-half times.

When our government took office in 2015, the city’s budget was merely Rs 30,000 crore. Today, it stands at Rs 77,000 crore. We are managing the Delhi government with integrity, even without any funding from the Central government. Our consistent honesty has led to a steady rise in revenue, ensuring that every penny generated serves public welfare.

IANS: Opposition parties claim that AAP is making empty promises. What is your response?

Atishi: You may recall that in 2013, they mocked our slogan, ‘Bijli half, pani maaf’ (power bills halved and water bills waived). They attempted to spread rumors that Kejriwal was making empty promises. Yet, today, 38 lakh families in Delhi have enjoyed zero electricity bills for the past five years. This demonstrates that Kejriwal keeps his promises. Today, he has assured that every woman will receive Rs 2,100 monthly in their accounts, and he is serious about it. What he commits to, he delivers.