Lucknow, August 14: Political activity is intensifying in Uttar Pradesh as the 2027 assembly elections approach. Amidst this, discussions are ongoing regarding a potential scheme to provide economic assistance to women. Media reports suggest that the Yogi government is considering offering financial aid of up to ₹50,000 for women’s self-employment.
According to reports, the first installment of ₹20,000 could be transferred to women’s bank accounts before the elections. Following the elections, if the BJP returns to power for a third term, the remaining amount may be disbursed in subsequent installments. However, the government has yet to make an official announcement regarding this scheme.
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Udayveer Singh criticized the Yogi government, stating that if the administration genuinely aimed to empower women through self-employment, this scheme should have been implemented earlier.
He pointed out that a similar initiative was launched in Bihar, but issues arose when funds were reportedly reclaimed from women, leading to numerous legal disputes. Singh questioned the BJP government’s motives, asking why the remaining installments are contingent upon winning the elections. The BJP has been in power in Uttar Pradesh for nearly a decade. If the government truly wanted to empower women economically, this scheme could have been introduced much earlier.
Singh further noted that if the government had provided such assistance annually, each woman could have benefited up to ₹5 lakh over ten years. He also questioned why this scheme was not included in the recently passed supplementary budget. The government should have proactively created employment and self-employment opportunities for women, he argued. Singh accused the government of announcing schemes with an eye on the elections, claiming that the public is being lured with mere promises. He also raised concerns about irregularities in development projects and questioned the government’s intentions.
In response to former Chief Minister Raghubar Das’s comments on student protests in Jharkhand, Singh acknowledged the government’s willingness to engage with students. He noted that several student demands have been met and expressed hope that the government would take further steps to secure students’ futures and address their legitimate concerns. Regarding the possibility of Azam Khan being appointed as Home Minister if the Samajwadi Party comes to power in Uttar Pradesh, Singh stated that both Khan and Shivpal Singh Yadav are senior leaders. He assured that their dignity and respect would be considered when determining roles and responsibilities in any government. However, he criticized the media for deliberately sensationalizing such questions.
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