Delhi government says AAP's Mahila Samman Yojana doesn't exist, Arvind Kejriwal a 'big fraud', says BJP leader | Mint

While Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders launched a doorstep registration drive for 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana', the Delhi government's Women and Child Development Department clarified that “no such plan exists at present”. The development sparked a political row ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly Election.

This public announcement came after AAP ministers, MLAs and volunteers launched a comprehensive public campaign to register people for the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' and 'Sanjeevani Yojana'.

Reacting to the communiqué, AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that his political opponents were angry with his party's Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana. He also claimed that Prime Minister Atishi could be arrested soon.

“These people are very angry with the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana. They plan to arrest Atishi ji in the coming days by preparing a fake case. For this, raids will be conducted on senior leaders of “AAP”. a press conference in this regard today at 12 noon,” he wrote in Hindi on X.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa called Arvind Kejriwal “a big fraud”. He said: 'While he was filling out forms, his own department [Delhi govt’s Women and Child Development] clarifies that there is no such arrangement to provide compensation for ₹2100. Those who complete forms for the scheme are private individuals who do this to illegally collect data.”

What is AAP's Mahila Samman Yojana

Under the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana', Delhi-based women above the age of 18, who are not employed in government or political positions, are eligible for benefits. ₹2,100 monthly allowance.

In its budget for 2024-2025, the Delhi government has announced that the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana scheme will provide ₹1,000 per month for all women over 18 years of age.

However, ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal announced that the amount would be increased to ₹2,100 if his party returns to power in the upcoming polls.

An estimated 35 to 40 lakh women were expected to register for the 'Mahila Samman Yojana' and around 15 lakh senior citizens, an official statement said earlier.

Delhi government says Mahila Samman Yojana 'doesn't exist'

In a public notice, the Delhi government's Women and Child Development Department said it has received information through media reports and social media posts that “a political party” is claiming ₹2100 per month to the women of Delhi under the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana'.

“It is clear that no such plan has been notified by the Delhi government,” said the statement released by the Women and Child Development Department on Wednesday.

Since no such system exists, “the issue of acceptance of the form/application for registration under this non-existent system does not arise,” the statement further pointed out.

“Any private person/political party collecting forms/applications or collecting information from applicants in the name of this scheme is committing fraud and has no authority,” the ministry said.

Delhi government warns against sharing personal information

The Delhi government department warned citizens that sharing personal details such as bank account details, voter ID, phone number, residential address or other sensitive information in the name of this scheme “may lead to the risk of information leakage into the public domain.” which can lead to crime/cybercrime/bank fraud.”

“In such a situation, citizens are entirely at their own risk and will be held responsible for any consequences,” the ministry said.

The Delhi government further advised residents of the national capital “not to fall prey to the false promises of this non-existent scheme as these are misleading and have no authority whatsoever.”

“The general public is also requested to exercise extreme caution when sharing personal data with unauthorized persons to prevent fraud or data breaches in the future,” the report said.

A digital platform is launched

It informed that a digital portal will be launched to facilitate registration and submission of application of persons eligible under the scheme.

“The eligibility criteria and procedure will be clearly communicated by the department from time to time. Details of all schemes of the department are available only on the department's website,” the ministry said.