The Delhi government has launched the Lakshmi Yojana, a welfare scheme providing ₹2,500 monthly to eligible women, with a portion locked in deposits until July 2029. Backed by a ₹5,110 crore budget, the initiative integrates digital currency wallets to restrict spending on non-essential items while enforcing strict eligibility criteria.
The Delhi government officially launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana on August 26, 2026, marking a new welfare commitment with a budget allocation of ₹5,110 crore for the 2026-27 financial year. The scheme is designed to provide direct financial support of ₹2,500 per month to eligible women aged 21 to 60.
Key to the scheme's financial structure is the treatment of the monthly payout. Beneficiaries receive the funds split into two components: ₹1,500 is directed into a recurring deposit that is locked until July 31, 2029. The remaining ₹1,000 is provided through a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallet. While the deposit is locked, participants have the flexibility to route the full monthly amount into the recurring deposit account if they choose. The Council of Ministers has retained the authority to review and potentially modify the maturity terms after two years of operation, introducing a layer of administrative flexibility to the policy.
The use of CBDC wallets introduces a mechanism for spending oversight. These funds are subject to a negative list, meaning they cannot be used for specific prohibited categories such as alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, lottery tickets, and gambling. This restriction aims to ensure that the digital portion of the welfare support is utilized for essential household expenses.
Eligibility for the scheme is strictly defined to target specific income groups. Applicants must be women between 21 and 60 years old who are the primary female members of their households. Requirements include at least 10 years of residency in Delhi, an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh, and active voter status. The government has also implemented comprehensive exclusion criteria to prevent misuse. Households that pay taxes, file GST, include government employees, own a four-wheeler, or consume more than 2,400 units of electricity annually are ineligible for the benefits.
The Women and Child Development Department is managing the enrollment process, which includes verification steps for those who may face challenges with biometric authentication or lack Aadhaar documentation.
For those monitoring the state's economic health, the key monitorables moving forward will include the actual uptake of the scheme, the impact of the ₹5,110 crore expenditure on the state budget, and how the administration manages the review clause for the lock-in period after the two-year window. The implementation also serves as a notable case study for the adoption of digital currency for welfare distribution in urban areas.