The Delhi government has launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a major financial assistance scheme aimed at providing economic support to eligible women in the national capital. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹2,500 every month, with the government allocating around ₹5,100 crore for the programme.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative is designed not only to provide immediate financial assistance but also to encourage women to build long-term financial security.
How Will the ₹2,500 Be Used?
Unlike a conventional cash-transfer scheme, beneficiaries will have structured options for receiving the monthly assistance.
Under one option, ₹1,000 will be credited to a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallet for permitted day-to-day household expenses, while the remaining ₹1,500 will be deposited into a recurring or fixed deposit account.
Beneficiaries can also choose to have the entire ₹2,500 invested in an RD or FD, allowing the money to accumulate as savings over time.
₹5,100 Crore Budget for the Scheme
The Delhi government has earmarked approximately ₹5,100 crore for the scheme in the 2026–27 budget. The programme is initially expected to benefit around 17 lakh women and has been approved for three years.
Who Can Apply?
According to the approved guidelines, the scheme is aimed at women who meet specific eligibility conditions. These include:
- Age between 21 and 60 years
- Annual family income of up to ₹2.5 lakh
- Eligible Delhi residents meeting the scheme’s residency requirements
- Applicants must satisfy the government’s other verification conditions
Women already receiving certain government financial assistance or pensions, government employees, taxpayers, four-wheeler owners and some other categories are excluded. Women with more than three living children are also not eligible under the approved guidelines.
Registration Has Already Begun
The Delhi government launched the online registration portal on August 1, 2026. Eligible women can submit their applications, upload documents and select their preferred financial option through the portal.
The government had earlier indicated that it aimed to release the first instalment around Raksha Bandhan, August 28, subject to verification and approval of applications.
The Bottom Line
The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana combines monthly financial assistance with a savings component. Eligible women can receive ₹2,500 per month, with ₹1,000 available through a CBDC wallet for permitted expenses and ₹1,500 directed toward RD/FD savings under one option. With a budget of around ₹5,100 crore, the scheme is expected to become a significant women-focused welfare programme in Delhi.