Residents’ mixed response to monthly stipend of Rs 1K
Anshita Mehra
New Delhi, March 4
The announcement of the Chief Minister’s Mahila Samman Yojna, offering a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 to women above 18 years, has evoked mixed reactions from Delhi residents, especially women. While some welcomed the financial assistance for minor expenses, others questioned its adequacy in addressing the challenges of living in Delhi.
Extra help is welcome
I can use the money to buy my kids more toys or get them books. A little extra help would mean a little extra that I can do for me and my family. — Sita, helper at a PG
Students, in particular, have raised concerns about the practicality of the scheme. Chhavi, a student residing in Greater Kailash, expressed scepticism, stating, “In this day and time, what will mere Rs 1,000 do in a month? Even my original course books alone cost more than Rs 1,500 for a single book.”
Similarly, Kanika Singh from Dwarka appreciated the initiative but doubted its effectiveness, remarking, “While the initiative is nice, I don’t think many people would even have the time to look into the scheme. The only ones who would really benefit from it might be the lower bracket but then again, will they even know about the scheme?”
She added, “Even the shop vendors and autorickshaw drivers earn more than Rs 1,000 in a single day so the amount won’t be of too much help considering everything is pretty expensive in Delhi.”
However, individuals in service roles, particularly in the older age bracket, have Residents’ mixed response to monthly stipend of Rs 1K
shown a more positive outlook. Rajani, Assistant Manager at a PG in Laxmi Nagar, welcomed the additional income, stating, “An extra amount of money is always appreciated. I can do more groceries with the money, buy gas or simply just spend it on me.” Similarly, Sita, employed as a helper in another PG, emphasised the potential benefits for her family, saying, “I can use the money to buy my kids more toys or get them books. A little extra help would mean a little extra that I can do for me and my family.”
The scheme excludes women already benefiting from government pension schemes or employed by the government. Besides, all beneficiaries should be residents of Delhi. However, this exclusion leaves out a significant number of college students who come from outside Delhi to study in the Capital, raising questions about the scheme’s inclusivity and impact.
