AAP Urges Haryana CM to Adopt Punjab's Women Empowerment Scheme Model
In a swift political move, the Aam Aadmi Party's Haryana unit has called upon Chief Minister Nayab Saini to replicate the 'Kejriwal Model' of governance, following the Punjab government's announcement of a major women-centric scheme. This development comes just hours after the Bhagwant Mann-led administration in Punjab launched the "Mukhyamantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana," which AAP leaders hail as a landmark initiative for women empowerment.
Criticism of Haryana's Lado Lakshmi Yojana
Anurag Dhanda, AAP's national media in-charge and a senior leader from Haryana, sharply criticized the BJP government in Haryana for its handling of the 'Lado Lakshmi Yojana.' Dhanda asserted that while the scheme was promised to women, the imposition of numerous conditions has left the majority of beneficiaries excluded. He contrasted this with Punjab's approach, stating, "The benefits of the BJP's scheme reached only a limited number of women, whereas in Punjab, the Mann government set an example of true public welfare by bringing almost all women within the ambit of this scheme without discrimination."
Dhanda emphasized that the BJP's scheme in Haryana has been reduced to a mere election gimmick, while the AAP government in Punjab has successfully turned its guarantees into tangible reality. He highlighted the inclusivity of Punjab's scheme, noting that it covers approximately 97 percent of women in the state, a record achievement nationwide.
Details of Punjab's Mukhyamantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana
Under the newly launched scheme in Punjab, eligible women above 18 years of age will receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹1000, with Scheduled Caste women entitled to ₹1500, directly deposited into their bank accounts. Dhanda praised the scheme for its lack of unnecessary conditions and restrictions, ensuring broad accessibility. He added, "Even women availing social security pension benefits will also be eligible for this scheme," underscoring its comprehensive nature.
Dhanda urged Chief Minister Saini to learn from the 'Kejriwal Model' and implement similar measures in Haryana to provide relief to women. He stated, "If the Haryana CM wanted to do politics in the interest of women, then he should learn from Punjab's 'Kejriwal Model' and work towards providing similar relief to the women of Haryana as well."
Political Reactions and Calls for Reform
Adding to the pressure, MP Kumari Selja has also called on the Haryana government to waive the strict conditions of the Lado Lakshmi Yojana. During a district-level function in Sirsa, Selja categorically demanded that the Saini-led BJP government announce the waiver as a Women's Day gift, highlighting ongoing concerns about the scheme's implementation.
This political discourse underscores a growing emphasis on women's welfare schemes in northern India, with AAP positioning itself as a champion of inclusive policies. The call for Haryana to adopt Punjab's model reflects broader debates on governance and public welfare, particularly in the context of upcoming elections and women's rights initiatives.
