The Delhi government’s Women and Child Development Department has ignited a political controversy by issuing a public notice labeling the registration drive for the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ as fraudulent. The department clarified that no such scheme has been officially notified by the government, raising questions about recent outreach efforts by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The notice, released on Wednesday, stated that any political party or private individual collecting forms or information under the guise of the scheme is committing fraud. This comes a day after AAP leaders and volunteers organized registration camps across the city, claiming to enroll eligible women for the scheme, which promises a ₹2,100 monthly allowance.
“It is emphasized that no such scheme is in existence. Any private individual or political party collecting applications is acting without authority and misleading the public,” the department said in its statement.
Kejriwal and BJP Exchange Barbs
Reacting to the notice, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused political rivals of attempting to sabotage the party’s welfare initiatives. He alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Atishi might soon face arrest over fabricated charges and announced a press conference to address the issue.
“These people are furious about the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana. They plan to arrest Atishi ji soon on false charges. Before that, raids will target senior AAP leaders,” Kejriwal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa criticized Kejriwal, calling him a “fraud.” Sirsa alleged that the registration drive was a data-collection scam orchestrated by private individuals. “The department itself has clarified there is no such scheme. This is a clear attempt to mislead and collect data illegally,” Sirsa said.
What Are the Schemes in Question?
The ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ is claimed to provide a ₹2,100 monthly allowance to unemployed women over 18 in Delhi. The ‘Sanjeevani Yojana,’ another welfare program, promises free healthcare for senior citizens, covering treatment in both government and private hospitals.
Despite the controversy, AAP ministers continued their registration campaigns, setting up camps in areas like Shahpur Jat and Ballimaran. The political storm is expected to intensify as both parties dig in their heels over the authenticity and execution of these schemes.
