NEW DELHI: In an extraordinary development, senior Delhi government officials have distanced themselves from the registration process initiated by Chief Minister Atishi and former CM Arvind Kejriwal for two newly announced Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) schemes.
This public disavowal highlights the strained relationship between the Delhi bureaucracy and the elected government, particularly after the recent amendment to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act, which shifted control of the services department to the Lieutenant Governor.
ALSO READ: Crime Branch is mulling to summon Rahul Gandhi as accused
On Monday, Kejriwal and Atishi launched the registration process for two key schemes: the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojna, which promises Rs 2,100 monthly to non-taxpaying women, and the Sanjeevani Yojna, offering free medical treatment to people over 60 in both government and private hospitals.
This announcement sparked controversy, with BJP leaders accusing AAP of misleading the public, as these schemes have not yet received official approval. The dispute escalated when a public notice, issued by a joint director from the Department of Women and Child Development, stated that no such scheme has been formally notified in Delhi.
ALSO READ: Srinagar Police tighten grip on drugs: 94 cases, 156 arrested
The notice also warned against unauthorized collection of physical forms or personal information by any individual or political party, labeling such actions as fraudulent. It further clarified that, should the scheme be officially notified, the Department would launch a digital portal for eligible individuals to submit applications.