In an unexpected turn of events, Delhi government’s senior officers have distanced themselves from the registration process launched by Chief Minister Atishi and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for two schemes introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party. This move of course highlights the strained relationship between the elected Delhi government and the bureaucracy, especially after an amendment to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act, which placed the services department under the control of the lieutenant governor.
Public Notices Call Schemes Fraudulent
Kejriwal and Atishi launched the registration for two key schemes on Monday: the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojna, which promises Rs 2,100 to non-taxpaying women, and the Sanjeevani Yojna, which offers free treatment to those over 60 in both government and private hospitals. However, the schemes have not yet been approved, sparking controversy, particularly from BJP leaders who accused AAP of misleading the public.
In response, a public notice was issued by the Department of Women and Child Development, declaring that no such scheme had been officially notified. The notice warned the public not to engage with any private or political entities collecting forms for the scheme, labeling them as fraudulent. A similar notice from the Health and Family Welfare Department criticized the unapproved Sanjeevani Yojna and noted that people had started visiting hospitals to inquire about it.
Kejriwal Responds to Criticism
Kejriwal took to social media, accusing opponents of trying to discredit the schemes and promising arrests of senior AAP leaders. He claimed that the political establishment was trying to halt the progress of these initiatives by creating obstacles and filing false cases.
Earlier this month, the Delhi government received approval for a scheme offering Rs 1,000 to non-taxpaying women, although the registration portal for this scheme has yet to go live. Kejriwal had announced that if re-elected, the amount would increase to Rs 2,100. Additionally, while the scheme for free healthcare for citizens over 60 years old was proposed, it has not yet been approved by the cabinet and is not ready for implementation.