Political activities have intensified regarding the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. The Yogi Adityanath government of the state is preparing for a big decision to bring more than six crore women voters of the state into its fold. Looking at the recent election results of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra, BJP is now brainstorming deeply on providing direct financial assistance to women in UP, expanding the scope of old schemes and starting new women-centric schemes.
What are the options available to the government?
According to sources, three main options are being considered at the government level to attract women voters. The first option is to provide financial assistance directly to the bank accounts of women (direct cash transfer). The second option is to bring more and more beneficiaries under its ambit by increasing the assistance amount of the public welfare schemes already running in the state. At the same time, the third option is to announce a completely new women-centric scheme.
However, before arriving at any final decision, the state financial budget, estimated total number of beneficiaries and political-social impact of the move are being closely assessed. The biggest challenge before the government is to prepare such a strategy, the benefits of which reach the wide section of women at the grassroots level and its positive impact becomes clearly visible before the elections.
Increase in pension and expansion of schemes
It is noteworthy that the Yogi government has already taken many big steps towards the social and economic upliftment of women. This year, the assistance amount of Chief Minister Group Marriage Scheme was increased from Rs 50 thousand to Rs 1 lakh. Apart from this, a special provision of more than Rs 18 thousand crore has been made for women-centric schemes in the budget of the current financial year.
Now through the supplementary budget, the government is going to increase the amount of old age, disabled and destitute women pension to Rs 1,500 per month. When BJP came to power in the year 2017, only Rs 300 per month was given in these pension schemes. In such a situation, the government is preparing to present it to the public as a major achievement and social reform.
Encouragement to daughters, goal of Scooty and Lakhpati Didi
Under the 'Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana', which is run for the all-round development of girls, currently daughters of families with annual income up to Rs 3 lakh are given assistance of Rs 25 thousand from birth till higher education. The government is now seriously considering increasing both the amount and eligibility scope of this scheme.
Also, to encourage meritorious girl students, it has been announced to give free scooties under 'Rani Lakshmibai Yojana', preparations for distribution of which are underway on a large scale. Apart from this, work is also being done rapidly on the target of connecting about 3 crore women with self-help groups and making 1 crore women 'Lakhpati Didi' through Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission.
Decisive role of 6 crore women voters
At present there are more than 6 crore women voters in Uttar Pradesh, who are considered the key to the victory of any political party. The role of women (silent voters) was very important in helping BJP get full majority again in the 2022 assembly elections. In such a situation, to form its government in the state for the third consecutive time, BJP can promise in its resolution letter a big scheme like giving money directly into the accounts of women. The government wants to send a clear message that it is fully committed to providing security and respect to the women of the state as well as their economic independence.