Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 27, 2025, 07:40 PM
Delhi Elections: To woo women in the Delhi Assembly elections, political parties have come up with a slew of women-centric schemes. The BJP, Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have all made interesting promises for women, including cash assistance, subsidies, and other benefits. Experts believe the trend reflects an acceptance of women's growing political role, but concerns have also been raised about the long-term effects and its impact on self-reliance.Why the special focus on women?About 50% of voters in Delhi are women, and wooing this "half of the population" has become every party's priority. This is not the first time that electoral promises are being made with women at the centre. Successful examples of Madhya Pradesh's 'Laadli Behan Yojana' and Maharashtra's 'Ladki Behan Yojana' have proved that women-centric schemes can influence the electoral equation.BJP, Congress and AAP promisesBharatiya Janata Party (BJP):Under the 'Mahila Samridhi Yojana', the BJP has promised ₹2,500 cash assistance per month to women, ₹21,000 for maternity benefit, and a ₹500 subsidy on LPG cylinders.Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):The AAP has announced a cash assistance of ₹2,100 per month to women. The party's existing free bus travel scheme is already popular among women.Congress:The Congress has promised a cash assistance of ₹2,500 per month under the 'Pyaari Didi Yojana'.What do experts say?Jagdeep Chhokkar, founder of election reforms body Association for Democratic Reforms, questioned the sustainability of these schemes, saying, "Freebies provide only short-term relief. Emphasis should be on skill development and employment generation for long-term empowerment." CPM leader and social activist Brinda Karat said these schemes give recognition to women, but often reduce them to mere beneficiaries. "Women should be empowered through their rights, not just schemes," she said.Women's viewsShanti Devi (vegetable vendor) from Haiderpur:"Cash assistance will help with expenses like school fees and rent. It is better for me to spend according to my needs."Seema Singh (domestic help) from Mayur Vihar:"Free bus travel has helped me save a lot. If cash assistance is also provided, it will be even better."Puja Verma (teacher) from Sarita Vihar:"These schemes are useful for the poor, but better education, roads, and infrastructure are needed more."Anjali Kumari (beautician) from Madanpur Khadar:"These schemes are helpful, but they cannot take us out of poverty. We need better jobs and opportunities."Benefits or limitations?Women-centric schemes provide immediate relief, but their long-term effectiveness remains debatable. These schemes often make women dependent on government handouts, rather than making them self-reliant.Electoral arithmetic and long-term visionWomen-centric promises are a way for political parties to consolidate their vote banks. But the real aim of these promises should be to improve women's lives in a sustainable way. Without focusing on skill development, job creation, and women's education, these schemes can only become a tool for gaining immediate popularity.Women may play a decisive role in the Delhi elections this time. However, it remains to be seen how much these promises will impact women's empowerment and which party they will support.