New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Congress leader Mukesh Sharma on Sunday questioned the BJP-led Delhi government’s eligibility criteria for the Lakshmi Yojana, alleging that several deserving beneficiaries, including tenants and migrants, could be excluded from the scheme.
Addressing reporters, he also sought clarity on the government’s estimate of 17 lakh beneficiaries and objected to the requirement of obtaining recommendations from MLAs or MPs, alleging that it could create unnecessary hurdles for applicants.
“Where has the government got this figure of 17 lakh beneficiaries from? The people of Delhi should be told. This is nothing but a complete fraud. If the government is honest, all these anti-people conditions should be changed,” Sharma, a former MLA, told PTI Videos.
Sharma claimed that tenants living in Delhi’s urban villages and areas around industrial clusters may not be able to avail the scheme as electricity bills are often not issued in their names.
“Even today, in Delhi’s urban villages and around industrial areas, tenants do not have electricity bills in their names. How will they produce them? They will be left out,” he said.
Questioning the provision requiring applicants to obtain recommendations from MLAs or MPs, Sharma alleged that it could force people to make repeated visits to elected representatives.
“The MLA-MP condition should be removed altogether. Why should a citizen have to visit government offices and the houses of MLAs and MPs?” he said.
He further criticised the provision under which a portion of the financial assistance would remain locked in a digital wallet for three years, saying beneficiaries should be able to access the money whenever required.
“It is my money; it is my right. If I need it next year, why shouldn’t I be allowed to withdraw it?” Sharma said.
The Congress leader questioned the exclusion of migrants from the scheme, saying people who have been living in Delhi for years and are eligible voters should not be denied its benefits.
Sharma gave the government 15 days to review the eligibility conditions and warned that he was prepared to launch an agitation if the concerns were not addressed.
“I am giving the government 15 days to reconsider these conditions. If necessary, I am prepared for the biggest agitation. The Congress party will oppose this,” he said.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday launched the online registration portal for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, under which eligible women in the national capital will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the scheme is expected to benefit around 17 lakh women, with the Delhi government allocating Rs 5,110 crore in the 2026-27 Budget for its implementation. PTI MSJ RHL
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.