A public notice from the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development Department has triggered a major political controversy after it declared the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ nonexistent, accusing those collecting forms for the scheme of fraud. This comes just a day after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a city-wide registration drive for the scheme, which promises a ₹2,100 monthly allowance to women in Delhi.
Department’s Clarification
In its official statement, the Women and Child Development Department said it received information through media and social media that a political party was registering applicants for the scheme. The notice clarified, “No such scheme has been notified by the Delhi government. Any individual or political party collecting forms is committing fraud and has no authority.” The department emphasized that since no scheme exists, any registration drive under its name is illegitimate.
AAP’s Reaction
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal dismissed the notice as politically motivated, accusing his opponents of attempting to derail welfare initiatives like the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana. Kejriwal alleged that the Delhi Chief Minister Atishi could face arrest soon under what he called a fabricated police case. “They are upset with these welfare schemes. A plan is in place to arrest Atishi ji in the coming days. Raids on senior AAP leaders will happen before that. I will address this in a press conference at noon,” Kejriwal posted on X (formerly Twitter).
BJP’s Response
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back, labeling the AAP’s registration drive a sham. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “Arvind Kejriwal is misleading people. His own department has clarified there is no such scheme. Those collecting forms are doing so to gather personal data illegally.” Sirsa further warned citizens to stay cautious about unauthorized registrations.
The Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana
AAP had announced the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ as a financial assistance scheme for women in Delhi above 18 years of age, excluding those employed in government or political positions. The scheme promises a ₹2,100 monthly allowance. Simultaneously, the ‘Sanjeevani Yojana’ offers free medical treatment to senior citizens across private and government hospitals.
On Tuesday, AAP ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Imran Hussain set up registration camps in Shahpur Jat and Ballimaran to facilitate sign-ups.
Political Tension Over Welfare Schemes
The notice adds to the ongoing friction between the Delhi government and the Centre, with AAP frequently alleging interference in the implementation of welfare schemes. Public opinion is divided, with some viewing the tussle as political theatrics while others believe it hampers governance and welfare rollouts.
Public Sentiment
As the controversy unfolds, Delhi residents are left uncertain about the status of the Mahila Samman Yojana. Many who lined up to register at AAP camps are now questioning whether the promised benefits will materialize.
This political showdown highlights the intensifying battle between AAP and BJP over welfare politics in the capital.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
