IN A step towards the economic empowerment of women, President Droupadi Murmu, on Monday, will formally launch the Delhi Government’s ‘Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana’ and roll out the scheme for two free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali for 15 lakh poor families, an official said on Sunday. A special programme titled ‘Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi’ will be organised at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Monday during which these schemes, along with others will be launched by President Murmu, the official added. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the programme symbolises the Delhi Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. The event is being organised by the Department of Women and Child Development.

 

Chief Minister Gupta added that in view of changing times and the rising cost of higher education, there was a need for an effective and future-oriented scheme for girls. “With this vision, the existing Ladli Scheme has been expanded and restructured into the ‘Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana’.” “Under the previous structure, Rs 11,000 was deposited in the name of each eligible girl child in case of an institutional birth and Rs 10,000 in case of a home birth. Additionally, Rs 5,000 was deposited at key educational milestones admission to Classes 1, 6 and 9, passing Class 10, and admission to Class 12. The accumulated amount, along with interest, could be withdrawn at the age of 18.”

 

The Chief Minister clarified that under the new scheme, both the financial assistance and the overall vision have been significantly enhanced. “A total of Rs 56,000 will now be deposited in stages in the name of the girl child, and with accrued interest, the maturity value is expected to exceed Rs 1 lakh by the age of 21.” The objective is to ensure that completing graduation or a professional diploma becomes the norm rather than the exception, Chief Minister Gupta said.