New Delhi, March 24 A series of initiatives focused on women, including e-auto permits for 1,000 women, free bicycles for 1.30 lakh girl students, and the establishment of 'Rani Haat' to link their skills with markets, were announced by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The Delhi government allocated Rs 7,406 crore to the Women and Child Development department in the 2026-27 Budget.
The current budget places a strong emphasis on women's welfare, with multiple schemes aimed at financial empowerment, safety, mobility, and social security.
Announcing the proposals, Gupta said the "Delhi Lakhpati Betiya Yojana" is among the government's most ambitious schemes, under which a total of Rs 61,000 will be deposited in the accounts of girls from birth until graduation, maturing to Rs 1.20 lakh. She proposed an allocation of Rs 128 crore for the scheme.
Last month, the government announced that the Ladli Yojana, launched in 2008, would be replaced by the Lakhpati Betiya Yojana from April this year, as a large amount of unclaimed funds had accumulated under the previous scheme.
To promote self-reliance, the government will launch the 'DURGA' (Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto) scheme, under which 1,000 women and 100 transgender persons will be assisted in obtaining new auto-rickshaw permits in 2026-27, Gupta said.
A provision of Rs 5,110 crore has been made for the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, while Rs 260 crore has been allocated to provide free gas cylinders to women on the occasions of Holi and Diwali, she added.
The Mahila Samridhi Yojna was announced last year for the first time, under which women will get Rs 2,500, and the development of a portal to register under the scheme is in process.
The chief minister also announced Rs 450 crore to ensure free travel for women and transgender persons in DTC buses.
Highlighting livelihood opportunities, Gupta said Mahila Haat, called 'Rani Haat' outlets, will be established with an allocation of Rs 10 crore to connect women’s skills with the market, along with efforts to strengthen Self-Help Groups.
She further said "Model Anganwadi Centres" will be set up in every district with modern infrastructure and community participation, for which Rs 33 crore has been earmarked.
Focusing on women's safety, Gupta said the government will allocate Rs 225 crore for the operation and maintenance of CCTV cameras and installation of 50,000 additional cameras to eliminate "dark spots" across the city.
In addition, Rs 50 crore has been allocated to replace traditional streetlights on PWD roads with energy-efficient smart LED systems to improve visibility and monitoring.
The government will also establish 11 new 'One Stop Centres' at a cost of Rs 16 crore to provide support and security to women in distress, she said.
Further, Gupta proposed Rs 10 crore for 'Samagra Palana' to strengthen 611 care homes, along with a dedicated fund of Rs 3.5 crore for aftercare and mainstreaming of children in child care institutions, covering livelihood support, higher education and skill development.