Delhi's WCD and Health departments issued notices disassociating from AAP's welfare schemes promising Rs 2,100 to women and free treatment for the elderly, terming them fraudulent
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government’s Women and Child Development (WCD) and Health departments on Wednesday issued public notices dissociating themselves from AAP’s much-publicized welfare schemes promising Rs 2,100 to women and free treatment for the elderly.
The notices warned citizens against sharing personal details for these "non-existent" schemes, labeling any such data collection by private individuals or political parties as "fraudulent and unauthorized."
The statements, issued just months before assembly polls, have sparked a political showdown, with AAP alleging foul play while government departments stress the risks of sensitive data misuse, including potential cyber fraud.
Official notices raise red flags
In its notice, the WCD department clarified that the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana – promising Rs 2,100 to eligible women – had not been formally notified. It stated that any physical registration forms or data collection for the scheme were fraudulent.
'Digital fraud': BJP targets Arvind Kejriwal after Delhi dept flags 'non-existent Mahila Samman Yojana'
Similarly, the Health department disowned the
Sanjeevani Yojana
, purportedly aimed at providing free healthcare to senior citizens, dismissing it as nonexistent. The notices further emphasized that no official authorization had been given to collect personal data for these schemes, and any such activity was fraudulent.
Political storm
AAP, which launched the registration drives with much fanfare, is now facing a political backlash. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj added fuel to the fire by claiming that the Delhi Health Secretary had confirmed the non-existence of the Sanjeevani Yojana.
'No such scheme has been notified, non-existent': Delhi WCD department on 'Mahila Samman Yojana' announced by Arvind Kejriwal
AAP leaders, however, have maintained that the schemes were genuine promises made for public welfare and accused opponents of orchestrating a smear campaign.
Mahila Samman Yojana row: AAP's Sanjay Singh accuses BJP of spreading lies
Kejriwal’s counter-allegations on social media have further escalated the row, with the AAP supremo accusing the BJP of planning raids against senior leaders.
He claimed such tactics were aimed at derailing the party’s outreach efforts ahead of the crucial February assembly polls.
Election strategy or overreach?
Both schemes were announced in AAP's budget for 2024-25 and have been touted as game-changers in Delhi’s political landscape.
While AAP has marketed these promises as a means to empower women and support the elderly, the lack of official notification or clarity from the departments raises questions about the schemes' feasibility.
Critics argue that the confusion surrounding the announcements reflects poorly on the party's governance, while AAP’s supporters believe the schemes could sway voters, much like similar promises have in other states.
English (US) ·