Concerns Raised Over Eligibility Criteria of Delhi's Lakshmi Scheme

Criticism of the Lakshmi Scheme's Eligibility Requirements

New Delhi, August 2 - Congress leader Mukesh Sharma has expressed concerns regarding the eligibility criteria of the 'Lakshmi Scheme' initiated by the BJP government. He stated on Sunday that many deserving individuals, particularly tenants and migrant citizens, might be excluded from benefiting from this program. Speaking to reporters, he sought clarification on the government's estimate of 1.7 million beneficiaries and raised objections to the requirement of recommendations from legislators or MPs, claiming it could create unnecessary hurdles for applicants.

Sharma, a former legislator, told 'News Media', “Where did the government get this figure of 1.7 million beneficiaries? The people of Delhi deserve to know. This is completely fraudulent.”

He further asserted that if the government is sincere, it should revise these anti-people conditions. Sharma pointed out that tenants living in urban villages and industrial areas of Delhi might not benefit from the scheme, as utility bills are often not registered in their names. He questioned the exclusion of migrants from the scheme, emphasizing that those who have lived in Delhi for years and are eligible voters should not be deprived of its benefits. Sharma has given the government a 15-day deadline to review the eligibility criteria and warned that he is prepared to initiate a protest if his concerns are not addressed.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the online registration portal for the 'Delhi Lakshmi Scheme', which aims to provide eligible women in the capital with financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month.