The Delhi government has executed many financial assistance plans to improve the lives of Delhi citizens, especially the marginalized segment. These schemes provide financial backing, promote self-reliance, and further social well-being.

Financial assistance schemes are vital schemes in reducing socio-economic imbalances and improving the lives of individuals and families. The schemes sponsored by the Delhi government target many social groups, such as elderly people, physically or mentally challenged people, females, and low-income earning families. Through these schemes of disbursing financial assistance, the administration strives to promote a social environment of inclusivity also empower people who are willing to enhance their means of living.

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Financial Assistance Schemes of the Delhi Government

The Delhi government has devised various financial assistance schemes designed for different strata of society. Some of the principal schemes are listed below:

Scheme of Old Age Assistance

• Objective: Providing financial assistance to old persons above 60 years.
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants should be residents of Delhi and above 60 years of age.
• Financial Assistance:

1. ₹2,000 per month for applicants of 60-69 years.
2. ₹2,500 per month for applicants of 70 years and above.
3. An additional ₹500 per month for SC/ST/Minority community applicants.

• Mode of Payment: Remitted quarterly directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (DBT).

Financial Assistance to Persons with Special Needs (2009)

• Objective: To assist individuals with disability cases like blindness, deafness, locomotor disability, autism, etc.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only locals of Delhi possess the aforesaid disability.
• Financial Assistance: ₹2,500 per month.
• Mode of Payment: Quarterly, bank account direct through ECS.

Delhi Family Welfare Scheme

• Objective: To grant a one-time financial assistance to destitute families.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only those families which are financially poor can apply under this scheme.
• Quantum of Assistance: ₹20,000 is given once.
• Mode of Payment: Through an account payee cheque.

Financial Assistance to Leprosy Patients

• Objective: To support leprosy patients who reside in Delhi.
• Eligibility Criteria: Those patients who were residents of Delhi before 1993.
• Financial Assistance: ₹1,800 per month per family.
• Mode of payment: Payments are made to beneficiaries' bank accounts.

Mukhya Mantri Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana

• Objective: To cover low-income families under insurance.
• Eligibility Criteria: Less than ₹1 lakh, per year, families only.
• Financial Assistance: Insurance for natural death, is ₹2 lakh, while accidental death will get only ₹1 lakh.
• Mode of Payment: The reimbursement of claims made will happen through designated insurance companies.

Chief Minister Relief Fund

• Objective: Direct relief to a person during his hour of emergency or Natural Calamities.
• Eligibility Criteria: Those who have suffered in cases of accidents or any other natural calamity.
• Financial Assistance: As per the person's needs and circumstances.
• Mode of Payment: The relief amount is directly transferred from the relief fund.

Application Process for Financial Assistance Schemes (Delhi)

The application process for financial assistance schemes is designed to be accessible and easy to use for applicants. Here are the main elements:

• Eligibility Check: Before applying, a check must be done regarding the eligibility criteria for each scheme. This enables applicants to know if they qualify for assistance.
• Preparation of Documents: The applicants are supposed to gather the necessary documents, like identification, income statements, and other required paperwork. These will make the process of applying easier.
• Online Application Portal: Most schemes provide an online application portal. This makes the submission much easier. Users can fill in the forms electronically and hence avoid having to deal with a lot of paper-based paperwork.
• Submission and Confirmation: After filling out the application, submit it through the portal. Most of the schemes offer a confirmation receipt so that the applicant will know whether his submission is successful or not.
• Follow-up: Applications sometimes need follow-up. A tracking system is provided in most schemes to track the status of the application.

Benefits of Financial Assistance Schemes

• Economic Aid: Such schemes are provided to provide an economic benefit to people to cater to their essential requirements, like food, medicine, and education.
• Empowerment and Self-Reliance: The provision of financial assistance empowers the people to take up opportunities that will lead to self-sufficiency and better livelihoods
• Social Inclusion: The schemes encourage social inclusion by targeting marginal groups to ensure that they acquire resources that will be essential for their development.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Financial support helps the beneficiaries and their families through better living standards and better well-being in life.
• Education and Skill Development: Some schemes also motivate education and skill development through funds that can be utilized for training programs or educational purposes.

Impact on Society

The financial support schemes the Delhi government has launched have affected society in the following ways:

• Reduction in Poverty Level: The targeted benefit given to low-income families and poor communities has led to a decrease in poverty levels in the city.
• Increased Access to Healthcare Services: Financial help has allowed many individuals to seek healthcare services in hospitals or clinics that would otherwise not receive those services due to financial constraints.
• Empowerment of Women and Other Marginalized: Initiatives like women entrepreneurs' and communities' specific programs help increase participation in economic activities.
• Strengthening the community: In disasters or emergencies (like COVID-19), it's meant to enable quicker recovery for communities through financial assistance, which allows the community to get immediate support when it needs it most.
• Promotion of Entrepreneurship: The government has encouraged entrepreneurship by supporting small businesses with various financial schemes that have helped increase economic development.

Conclusion

The financial assistance schemes developed by the Delhi government go a long way in pushing forward social welfare and the inclusion of people from all walks of life. The government supports most of the vulnerable populations, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and also low-income families by helping them achieve a more inclusive opportunity to grow and develop.

As Delhi continues its journey towards becoming an equitable city, stakeholders involved in the government, civil society organizations, and the community at large must strive to collectively overcome challenges while reaping benefits from these financial assistance programs.