The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called on the BJP-led central government to follow the footsteps of the Kejriwal administration in Delhi by implementing initiatives aimed at empowering women, emphasizing the need to uplift half of the nation’s population.
AAP’s Chief (National) Spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, lauded Delhi’s CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal, for his groundbreaking move towards women’s empowerment through the introduction of the ‘Mukyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ in Delhi’s budget, offering ₹1,000 to every woman above 18. Despite inflationary pressures, with Delhi already providing essential services like free water, electricity, and bus travel, the additional monthly ₹1,000 allocation is poised to boost women’s confidence and alleviate concerns over household expenses. In contrast, the absence of women empowerment initiatives in the Modi government’s budget is glaring, even as the country grapples with a staggering debt nearing ₹200 lakh crores. AAP advocates for a shift in focus towards women empowerment, urging the Modi government to prioritize societal welfare over enriching ‘his friends’, citing the widening gap between the rich and the poor under current policies.
AAP’s Chief (National) Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar addressed a press conference at the party headquarters on Tuesday, stating that Delhi’s Finance Minister Atishi, inspired by the principles of ‘Ram Rajya’, presented Delhi’s 10th budget. This budget catered to every section of society, from children to the elderly. This budget holds even greater significance because the central government does not provide Delhi with its constitutionally mandated funds. Despite this, the honest and hardworking people of Delhi rank second in tax payments across the country.
“The central government only creates obstacles and hindrances in Delhi’s work. Sometimes their officers stop the funding of our schemes, while at other times the LG delays or obstructs our policy files for extended periods. The BJP-led central government and the LG should now understand that CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal is not one to back down; he is ready to face challenges head-on. We are saddened by the fact that schemes that could have been completed in 5 years are now taking 9 years to complete due to deliberate obstacles created by the central government,” the AAP Chief Spokesperson expressed.
Priyanka Kakkar further added that as a woman, there have been two main points for them in Delhi’s budget this year. One goal has been achieved, and the other they are working to achieve. From 2014 to 2024, we have reduced malnutrition among women in Delhi by up to 90%, which is a significant achievement. We achieved this feat with the help of 10,800 women working in Anganwadi centres in Delhi. Through the mid-day meal provided in schools, we ensured that every pregnant and breastfeeding woman received high-protein nutritious food.
“Under CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal’s policies, we prepared diet plans for these women with the help of top nutrition experts, which was then promoted by the women of Anganwadi centres. CM Arvind Shri Kejriwal did not say like Prime Minister Modi that ‘women are worried about their figure and do not eat, so they are malnourished’. CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal did not fill his pockets with the funds for children’s mid-day meals like the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. He did not make children eat ‘Namak Roti’ under the mid-day meal.
“Now, as per Kejrinomics, we have introduced another scheme to empower women in a true sense. In the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, we have announced a ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’, where women above the age of 18 years would be provided with ₹1000 every month. This is women empowerment in a true sense. You feel confident and powerful when you have money in your pocket,” the AAP Chief (National) Spokesperson mentioned.
Ms. Priyanka Kakkar further added, “Think of your house helps, who are doing all kinds of chores to make ends meet in their families. We have empowered these women by reducing their expenses by ₹5000-6000 by giving them free electricity, water, and travel. These additional ₹1000 would be a cherry on top, which would help them with their expenses, reduce their stress, as well as increase their productivity. Think of a mother who prioritizes the needs of the family before her own and doesn’t even buy a piece of cloth for herself so that the monthly budget of the family doesn’t get disturbed. These ₹1000 every month would help that mother, she would now be able to think of herself. Think of that college-going girl who has to rely on her brother or father for her basic needs. She wouldn’t have to plead to them anymore as Shri Arvind Kejriwal would give her that ₹1000 every month.”
The AAP Chief Spokesperson stated, “Today, Delhi’s son, has taken a crucial step in the direction of women empowerment in the true sense. On the other hand, there is the Central Government, that presents a budget which shows National debts up to ₹200 lakh crores. In this budget, there is no provision for women. The policies of the Modi government are further widening the gap between the rich and poor. Rich people are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer.”
“Through this platform, I would like to request Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to stop filling the pockets of his wealthy friends. Instead, try and bring new policies for women empowerment, like Shri Arvind Kejriwal. Shri Arvind Kejriwal’s guarantee is not a mere empty promise like Prime Minister Modi’s. He has implemented many schemes for the people beyond the promises he made. This scheme announced in the budget was not included in our manifesto, nor did we promise it. Nevertheless, our government is going to provide thousand rupees per month to empower women,” She concluded.
