In a significant move aimed at countering the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)’s Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a new welfare initiative, the Gogo Didi Yojana, ahead of the 2024 assembly elections in Jharkhand. If the BJP forms the government, this scheme promises a monthly financial assistance of ₹2100 to eligible women across the state. This initiative primarily targets women and their daughters, with the broader goal of enhancing women’s financial security and independence.
A Closer Look at Gogo Didi Yojana
The Gogo Didi Yojana is designed to provide a monthly honorarium of ₹2100 to both mothers and daughters. Unlike the JMM’s Maiya Samman Yojana, which offers ₹1000 per month to women aged 18-50, the Gogo Didi Yojana aims to widen its beneficiary base. According to BJP leaders, this scheme intends to uplift the socio-economic status of women by giving them direct financial support, deposited into their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Eligibility Criteria and Benefits
The scheme is open to women who meet specific criteria:
- Age limit: The eligible women must be between 15 and 45 years old.
- Income limit: Beneficiaries’ families should have an annual income between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹3 lakh.
- Residency: Only women who are permanent residents of Jharkhand will be eligible.
- Employment status: Women employed in government jobs will not qualify for this benefit.
Upon qualification, beneficiaries will receive ₹2100 monthly, which will be transferred directly into their bank accounts. The scheme’s focus on both mothers and daughters underscores its commitment to ensuring holistic economic security for women in Jharkhand.
BJP’s Strategic Move in the Political Arena
The Gogo Didi Yojana has been launched in direct response to Hemant Soren’s Maiya Samman Yojana, which the BJP claims is a copy of welfare schemes already implemented in BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh. Senior BJP leader and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused the JMM government of copying the Ladli Behna Yojana from Madhya Pradesh, which provides similar financial support to women.
Chouhan, while promoting the Gogo Didi Yojana, emphasized that this initiative is not just an election gimmick but part of the BJP’s long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment. He also criticized the Soren government for failing to fulfill previous promises of providing financial support, notably referencing unfulfilled pledges from the 2019 election.
Application Process and Implementation
While the scheme has been announced, the application process is yet to begin. Once BJP takes charge, if elected, the registration process will be conducted both online and offline. Beneficiaries will need to submit essential documents such as Aadhaar cards, proof of residency, bank details, and income certificates. Applications will be verified by the government, and upon approval, the financial aid will be directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ accounts.
Political Implications and Future Prospects
The Gogo Didi Yojana is widely seen as a major part of BJP’s electoral strategy to sway women voters in Jharkhand. With a more generous financial aid package than its counterpart scheme, the BJP is positioning itself as the champion of women’s rights and financial independence. However, critics, including the ruling JMM, have termed the scheme as an “election stunt,” questioning its sustainability and genuine intent.
The Gogo Didi Yojana marks a significant step in BJP’s efforts to win over women voters in the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections. With promises of financial assistance aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women, the BJP hopes this scheme will play a pivotal role in their electoral campaign. As the elections near, it remains to be seen how this scheme will resonate with the public and whether it will succeed in securing the support BJP needs to return to power in the state.
News – Sanjana Kumari
