Women across Delhi began registering for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana on Saturday as the city government's online portal for the Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance scheme went live. Registration camps opened from 8 a.m. across the national capital, with officials and volunteers assisting applicants in completing the online process. According to government data, 1,083 women had successfully registered by noon, marking the formal rollout of one of the BJP government's flagship welfare initiatives for women.

The Women and Child Development Department has established dedicated registration camps to help applicants verify their eligibility, enter personal, family and bank details, and upload the required documents. Officials said each registration initially took around 25 to 30 minutes, although the duration varied depending on whether applicants arrived with all the necessary documents. Many women who completed the process said volunteers provided guidance throughout the application, making the process relatively smooth despite the early rush at registration centres.

Speaking at the launch of the portal, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the occasion as a significant milestone for women in the national capital. She said the government had fulfilled its commitment to voters by implementing the scheme within about one-and-a-half years of assuming office. The government has allocated over Rs 5,100 crore for the programme in the 2026-27 financial year, with an estimated 17 lakh women expected to benefit. Gupta added that the initiative is intended to strengthen women's financial independence and improve their economic security.

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Under the scheme, eligible women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month through flexible payment options. Beneficiaries can receive Rs 1,000 via a digital rupee wallet while depositing Rs 1,500 in a recurring or fixed deposit, or choose to place the entire amount in an RD or FD. The government aims to release the first instalment after scrutiny and approval of applications, around Raksha Bandhan on August 28. Several applicants welcomed the scheme, saying the assistance would help meet household expenses, with one beneficiary describing it as a "Raksha Bandhan gift" from the government.

The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana is open to women aged between 21 and 60 who are the eldest female members of their families, have an annual household income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh, and meet the scheme's residency and voter eligibility criteria. Applicants must submit documents including Aadhaar, Delhi voter ID, proof of residence, a photograph, signature and an endorsement letter from their local MP or MLA. However, government employees, income-tax payers, GST filers, recipients of certain government pensions, households owning a four-wheeler, and applicants with more than three children or a criminal record are among those excluded from the scheme. Officials have advised successful applicants to download and retain their acknowledgement receipts for future reference.

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