Delhi Chief Minister Atishi described Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal as a “prominent leader” who deeply understands the challenges faced by women in India. She emphasized Kejriwal’s commitment to addressing these issues through financial empowerment initiatives.
Key Highlights:
- Arvind Kejriwal’s Leadership:
- CM Atishi praised Kejriwal as the first leader in the country to understand and address the “pain of women,” referring to their financial dependence on men throughout different stages of life.
- She acknowledged his role in designing schemes aimed at providing direct financial aid to women in Delhi.
- Financial Assistance for Women:
- In March 2023, Kejriwal announced a scheme to provide ₹1,000 per month to women in Delhi.
- CM Atishi explained that Kejriwal’s arrest delayed the implementation of the initiative but noted that many women demanded an increased amount to meet their needs.
- Revised Scheme Announcement:
- On Thursday, Kejriwal announced two significant updates aimed at supporting women:
- The ₹1,000 financial assistance scheme was formally implemented following approval in a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Atishi.
- A revised proposal was introduced to increase the amount to ₹2,100 per month to address inflationary pressures and better meet women’s financial needs.
- On Thursday, Kejriwal announced two significant updates aimed at supporting women:
- Registration Process:
- Kejriwal stated that registration for the ₹2,100 scheme would begin immediately. However, the actual transfer of funds would be delayed due to the impending election schedule, with polls expected to be announced within 10–15 days.
CM Atishi’s Remarks on Kejriwal’s Arrest:
Atishi highlighted that Kejriwal’s arrest earlier this year caused significant delays in implementing the scheme. She reassured women that, under a new AAP government, the revised scheme would be prioritized.
Political Context:
The announcement comes ahead of the anticipated Delhi Assembly Elections in early 2024, reflecting AAP’s strategy to address key voter concerns, particularly women’s empowerment and financial independence.
This initiative underlines AAP’s commitment to social welfare, aiming to ease the financial burden on women while positioning the party as a champion of progressive governance.