‘Non-Existent’: Delhi WCD Refutes Arvind Kejriwal’s Schemes, He Hits Back

NewDelhi: The Delhi government’s Women and Child Development (WCD) department has clarified that the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,’ announced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the 2025 assembly elections, is not an officially notified scheme. In a public notice, the department stated that any individual or political party collecting information or forms for the so-called ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ is committing fraud. “The Delhi Government has notified no such scheme,” the notice read.

The department also emphasized that since this scheme does not exist, there is no question of accepting forms or applications. It warned the public against sharing personal details such as bank account information, voter IDs, or phone numbers with unauthorized individuals, as it could lead to fraud or data breaches. Citizens were urged not to fall for false promises related to this scheme and to remain cautious about sharing sensitive information to avoid being misled.

After the notices were issued, Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP-led central government. He claimed that the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana had unsettled them. “They plan to arrest Atishi ji in a fake case soon. Before that, senior AAP leaders will face raids,” he wrote on X.

This clarification comes after AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that registration for the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana,’ which claims to offer Rs 2,100 per month to women in Delhi, would start on December 23. He said teams had been formed to assist women in registering for the scheme and receiving cards.

Last year, the Supreme Court decided that the Delhi government would have control over services in the capital. However, the Centre later passed an ordinance, followed by a law, to change this decision. The new law created the National Capital Civil Services Authority, which includes the Chief Minister, the Delhi Chief Secretary, and the Principal Home Secretary. This Authority advises the Lieutenant Governor on transfers, postings, and disciplinary actions for officials. Since the Chief Secretary and Principal Home Secretary are appointed by the Centre, they can easily overrule the Chief Minister.

Bureau Report