Kejriwal announces doorstep registration for women, elderly schemes

New Delhi: AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that the registration process for two key welfare schemes will begin on Monday. The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, designed to provide Rs 1,000 per month to women aged 18 and above, will offer doorstep registration. Additionally, registration for the Sanjeevani Yojana, which will provide free healthcare treatment to senior citizens over the age of 60, will also commence.

In the 2024-25 Delhi budget, the government had initially proposed Rs 1,000 per month for women under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana. However, Kejriwal recently pledged that the amount would be raised to Rs 2,100 if his party is re-elected in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Reacting to the announcement, the Delhi BJP accused the AAP of making false promises, referencing similar unfulfilled pledges during past elections.

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal assured that women need not visit any registration centers. He stated that volunteers from AAP would visit the homes of eligible women to complete the registration process. The initiative aims to assist women financially, including students, and help them continue their education. Beneficiaries would need to show their voter identity cards to qualify for the benefits.

Kejriwal further emphasized that AAP volunteers would distribute "Kejriwal Kavach Cards" to the beneficiaries, ensuring their participation in the scheme.

Kejriwal also highlighted the launch of the Sanjeevani Yojana, which aims to provide free treatment to senior citizens. Volunteers would visit the homes of elderly people to register them, ensuring that they receive necessary healthcare support. The initiative is expected to benefit between 10 to 15 lakh senior citizens in Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi expressed her optimism about the success of these schemes, estimating that around 35 to 40 lakh women could benefit from the Mahila Samman Yojana. The party leaders, including Kejriwal, Atishi, and Manish Sisodia, will visit various areas in Delhi on Monday to help fill out registration forms.

In response to Kejriwal's announcement, the Delhi BJP accused the AAP of attempting to deceive women, recalling unfulfilled promises from past elections, including pledges made during the Punjab Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The BJP called for legal action against the AAP's alleged misleading claims.

With the Delhi elections fast approaching, AAP is hoping to secure a third consecutive term after winning 62 out of 70 seats in the previous election.

With PTI inputs