All Welfare Schemes Will Continue, Says Delhi Govt
NEW DELHI: Delhi govt on Tuesday said all welfare schemes run by it in the capital and subsidies offered to Delhiites would continue unhindered despite the arrest of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
In a press note issued by planning department, secretary Niharika Rai said there were rumours doing rounds that with the arrest of CM by Enforcement Directorate, the welfare schemes and subsidies given by Delhi govt would be stopped.”Even as the law takes its own course in the process of criminal investigation, it merits clarification that administration of schemes and governance are never specific to individuals and shall continue in normal course, as in the past,” Rai said.
“Such rumours create an atmosphere of fear within the general public, therefore, it is necessary to inform the public that there shall be no disruption of any kind in disbursement of admissible subsidies, pensions, welfare benefits, etc,” she added.
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in a case related to the excise policy 2021-22.
Apart from providing free electricity and water to frugal consumers, Delhi govt also extends free travel to women in DTC and Cluster Scheme buses, free pilgrimage to those above 60, and various social welfare pensions.

The planning secretary said social welfare schemes were funded with public money through the consolidated fund and backed by budgetary allocations. “Social welfare funds are neither the personal property of any individual or political entity nor funded by an individual or entity’s personal money. There is an architecture of civil services and processes laid down in the national capital, which continues as usual,” Rai said, adding that public services, social welfare schemes and subsidies were not at all affected by CM’s arrest or remand.

Urging people to stay away from rumour mongers, the official said people should not be misled by malicious disinformation.
In a statement, AAP govt said the press note was issued by the secretary “as per the instructions” of CM to quell the rumours. “Despite the storm, Kejriwal govt stands strong. With unwavering determination towards its citizens, Kejriwal govt assures Delhiites of the continuity of welfare schemes,” it stated.