Major poll push: Tejashwi Yadav promises ₹30,000 for women under new welfare plan

Patna (The Uttam Hindu): Just before the first phase of voting in Bihar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav made a major announcement. He stated that his government would soon be formed based on the demands of mothers and sisters. He stated that after the formation of the government, ₹30,000 would be transferred to women's accounts in one go on Makar Sankranti under the "Maa-Behin Maan Yojana."

Tejashwi also clarified that this amount will continue for five years, not just one. He said that if his government lasts its full term, each woman will receive a total benefit of ₹1.5 lakh over five years.

Tejashwi Yadav said that as soon as his government is formed, he will begin providing financial benefits directly to women's accounts on Makar Sankranti. He explained that this festival symbolizes the tradition of yogurt, chuda (rice rice) and sesame seeds, and financial assistance will also be provided to women on this auspicious occasion.

He said, "We want to inform you that our government is being formed on the demand of our mothers and sisters. On Makar Sankranti, a sum of Rs. 30,000 for a full year will be transferred to women's bank accounts under the Maa-Behin Maan Yojana. This assistance will be a huge relief for them in this time of inflation."

He said, "It's 30,000 rupees a year. In five years, it adds up to 1.5 lakh rupees. Women will receive a monthly benefit of 2,500 rupees." Recalling past promises, the RJD leader said his party had previously pledged to take strong steps to empower women. It had already promised to make Jeevika Didis permanent and pay them an honorarium of 30,000 rupees.

Tejashwi Yadav's announcement just before the elections is being seen as a masterstroke by the Grand Alliance to woo women voters. It remains to be seen how the NDA will handle this.