New Delhi: Delhi’s newly sworn-in Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, has wasted no time in setting the agenda for her Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Just days after taking office, Gupta has directed officials to expedite the implementation of the highly-anticipated “Mahila Samridhi Yojana,” a flagship scheme promising Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to women from poor families.
This BJP had committed to fulfil a key election promise at the earliest in its election campaign in the national capital.
Gupta issued the instructions during a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, where preparations for the 2025-26 annual budget were also discussed. The meeting included key officials from the finance department and cabinet ministers
Officials have been tasked with formulating detailed guidelines for the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, including establishing eligibility criteria and a robust registration process for the disbursement of funds. The timeline for rollout is ambitious, with the BJP aiming to begin payments by March 8, International Women’s Day, a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the election campaign.
The day also saw Gupta pay a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Modi at his residence. “Today I paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Honourable Narendra Modi ji at the Prime Minister’s residence. Under your guidance and leadership, the double engine government of BJP is committed to transforming the dreams of Delhiites into a developed Delhi by following the path of public welfare and good governance,” Gupta posted on X.
Following her meeting with the Prime Minister, Gupta chaired a budget preparation session at the Delhi Secretariat. The meeting focused on the revenue streams and expenditure allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. The CM, who also holds the finance portfolio, will personally present the 2025-26 annual budget to the Delhi Assembly.
Beyond the “Mahila Samridhi Yojana,” the new government is swiftly addressing other key areas. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood held his first official meeting with department officials, emphasising a commitment to strengthening law and order and improving the efficiency of administrative processes.
Sood outlined his priorities, including improved law enforcement, effective disaster management, and streamlined traffic regulation. “Today, I took charge as the home minister of Delhi and held an important meeting with officials of the home department. Strengthening law and order and making administrative processes more effective were key points of discussion,” Sood said.
