BJP Freebies in Delhi: A Comprehensive Overview of Promised Welfare Schemes

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in the Delhi assembly elections based on a platform that included significant welfare promises and the continuation of existing free schemes. This outcome addressed a central voter concern regarding the future of government-supported benefits. The party's strategy involved pledging to maintain current initiatives while expanding their scope to new demographic groups. The BJP's manifesto, referred to as the "Sankalp Patra," was released by party president JP Nadda and emphasized development alongside welfare measures. A key aspect of the campaign was countering claims from the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that the BJP would discontinue free schemes if elected. Union Home Minister Amit Shah explicitly stated that all existing welfare schemes would continue and be strengthened. The BJP's approach combined promises of financial assistance with infrastructure improvements, targeting various segments of the population including women, students, and senior citizens.

Financial Assistance for Women

A cornerstone of the BJP's manifesto was financial support directed specifically at women. The party promised a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana. This pledge was a direct counter to similar promises made by rival parties; the AAP had promised Rs 2,100 per month, while the Congress vowed Rs 2,500. The manifesto release by JP Nadda highlighted that the document would keep the foundation of a developed Delhi. Beyond the monthly allowance, the BJP also promised Rs 21,000 in financial aid for expectant mothers, accompanied by six nutritional kits. Additionally, the party committed to continuing existing schemes that provide Rs 5,000 for a first childbirth and Rs 6,000 for a second. These promises were designed to appeal to a significant portion of the electorate, specifically women voters, who are often key beneficiaries of such welfare programs.

Transportation and Mobility Benefits

The BJP addressed public transportation needs by promising to continue and enhance existing free travel schemes. The incumbent AAP government had implemented free bus travel for women, and the BJP pledged not only to maintain this but to expand it. The party promised to increase the number of buses to improve service capacity. Furthermore, the BJP recommended extending free bus travel benefits to senior citizens and male students. This expansion was noted in reports regarding the second part of the "Sankalp Patra," which was expected to include free bus rides for women, male students, and senior citizens. The focus on transportation reflects an understanding of mobility as a critical factor for economic participation and access to services for various demographic groups.

Housing, Utilities, and Infrastructure

The BJP's promises extended to essential utilities and housing rights. Regarding electricity, the party recommended providing up to 300 units of electricity free of cost to households. This proposal was part of recommendations made by the Delhi BJP’s manifesto committee. However, it was noted that the party would wait for the ruling party to announce its specific scheme regarding electricity bills before finalizing its strategy. For water, the BJP committed to providing free "clean drinking" water and pledged to continue the existing scheme providing up to 20 kilolitres of free water per month to domestic consumers. In the housing sector, the BJP promised complete ownership rights to residents in unauthorized colonies. This measure targets a significant population segment in Delhi that lacks formal property titles. Infrastructure development was also a major focus, with promises including the development of the Yamuna riverfront in three years, modeled after the Sabarmati riverfront, and the introduction of 13,000 e-buses.

Food Security and Subsidies

To address food security and cost of living, the BJP proposed several initiatives. The party promised to make LPG cylinders available at Rs 500, with one free cylinder each for Holi and Diwali. This aims to reduce the household financial burden associated with fuel costs. Additionally, the BJP announced the establishment of "Atal Canteens," which would provide affordable meals at Rs 5 each. These canteens are modeled on the "Anna Canteen" initiative, which previously provided subsidized food. The manifesto also included promises for subsidized food grains and pulses through Fair Price Shops, specifically targeting the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, ensuring they receive essential food items at highly subsidized rates.

Health and Education Initiatives

The BJP's manifesto included substantial promises in the health and education sectors. For healthcare, the party pledged to implement Ayushman Bharat, offering free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. This central government scheme is designed to provide health coverage to low-income families. In the education sector, the BJP promised free kindergarten to post-graduation education for poor students. It also proposed a one-time financial assistance of Rs 15,000 for students preparing for competitive exams. For Scheduled Caste (SC) students, the manifesto included the Ambedkar Stipend Scheme, promising a monthly stipend of Rs 1000, free laptops for meritorious Class 12 students, and a 50% concession on fees for professional courses. These measures are intended to reduce the financial barriers to education and skill development.

Support for Senior Citizens and Vulnerable Groups

Senior citizens and other vulnerable groups were targeted with specific financial support measures. The BJP promised a monthly pension of Rs 2,500 for senior citizens aged 60 to 70, increasing to Rs 3,000 for those over 70. This pension scheme was also extended to widows and differently-abled individuals. Furthermore, the party pledged to provide life insurance up to Rs 10 lakh and accident insurance up to Rs 5 lakh for taxi and auto-drivers, along with scholarships for their children. These promises aim to provide a safety net for individuals who may have limited income or are at risk of financial instability due to age, disability, or occupational hazards.

Employment and Economic Opportunities

Addressing unemployment and economic self-sufficiency was another key pillar of the BJP's platform. The party promised 50,000 government jobs and 20 lakh self-employment opportunities. To support gig workers, the manifesto proposed the establishment of a welfare board. The BJP also emphasized the implementation of the New Education Policy 2020 in Delhi, which is expected to have implications for skill development and employment readiness. Additionally, the party highlighted the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a scheme offering 'free power' to the poor through solar energy, which could potentially reduce electricity bills and encourage sustainable energy adoption.

Women-Centric Infrastructure and Safety

Beyond financial assistance, the BJP focused on infrastructure and safety for women. The manifesto promised the construction of 250 "pink" toilets equipped with vending machines for sanitary napkins and feeding rooms. This initiative addresses specific hygiene and convenience needs of women in public spaces. The party also pledged to create a women-only police battalion to enhance safety and provide a dedicated law enforcement presence for women's issues. Additionally, paid maternity leave for up to six months was promised for all domestic workers, extending social security benefits to a workforce that often lacks formal employment protections.

Conclusion

The BJP's victory in the Delhi elections was significantly influenced by its comprehensive welfare platform, which promised both the continuation and expansion of freebies. The party's "Sankalp Patra" covered a wide range of sectors, including financial assistance for women, enhanced transportation benefits, housing rights, food security, health, education, and support for senior citizens and vulnerable groups. By pledging to maintain existing schemes such as free bus travel for women and free water, while introducing new measures like the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana and Atal Canteens, the BJP addressed concerns about the discontinuation of welfare benefits. The manifesto also focused on infrastructure development, such as the Yamuna riverfront project and the introduction of e-buses, alongside economic opportunities through government jobs and self-employment schemes. The election results indicate that the electorate responded positively to these promises, prioritizing welfare and development in their voting decision.