AAP Struggles to Fund Women’s Financial Assistance Scheme in Punjab
After taking on the ruling BJP in Delhi over its Rs 2,500 per month honorarium for women, the AAP government in Punjab is facing financial hurdles in implementing its own poll promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to women across the state.
Funding Challenges and Internal Discussions
Discussions are underway among top AAP strategists and officials from the Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children to finalize the contours of the scheme. While details remain closely guarded due to its significant financial implications, there is ongoing debate on whether it should be included in the AAP government’s fourth Budget, set to be presented later this month.
While AAP’s political leadership is determined to announce and implement the scheme soon, the administrative wing is grappling with the challenge of securing financial resources. This urgency stems from the party’s aggressive stance against the BJP’s "Mahila Samriddhi Yojana" in Delhi.
Political Pressure and Financial Constraints
The Opposition has frequently criticized AAP over delays in launching the scheme in Punjab, accusing it of failing to fulfill its election promises. Keen to prove that it honors commitments, AAP is under pressure to roll out the scheme.
The party had pledged Rs 1,000 per month to all women aged 18 and above in its 2022 Assembly election manifesto. However, with approximately 1.01 crore eligible beneficiaries, the scheme would require a massive Rs 1,010 crore per month, making it an uphill financial challenge given the state’s economic condition.
Possible Modifications to the Scheme
Sources suggest that the government may restrict eligibility to economically vulnerable sections instead of offering it to all women. Proposals under discussion include:
- Providing benefits only to poor households
- Excluding income tax payees
- Targeting women who are sole breadwinners in their families
With financial constraints at play, the AAP government is treading cautiously, balancing its political promise with fiscal reality before making a final announcement.
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