Delhi LG Orders Inquiry Into Alleged Data Collection For AAP’s Welfare Scheme

Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has ordered an inquiry into allegations that non-government individuals are collecting personal details of Delhi residents under the guise of registration for the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) proposed welfare scheme, Mahila Samman Yojana. The inquiry comes in response to concerns about potential privacy violations in connection with AAP’s plan to provide Rs 2,100 per month to women in Delhi.

Concerns Raised Over Privacy Breaches

A letter dated December 27 outlines the directive from the Lieutenant Governor, urging the Chief Secretary to launch an investigation into the alleged unauthorized collection of personal information.

Also Read: Delhi LG VK Saxena Orders Probe Into Sandeep Dikshit’s Surveillance Allegations

The letter further instructs the Commissioner of Police to ensure that action is taken against those breaching the privacy of citizens by collecting their details under the pretense of registering them for the Mahila Samman Yojana. The LG has also requested that District Commissioners (DCPs) take action against private individuals organizing fraudulent enrollment camps for government schemes.

Allegations Of Fraud In AAP’s Scheme

The inquiry follows complaints lodged by Congress candidate for New Delhi constituency, Sandeep Dikshit, who accused AAP of perpetrating a fraud. Dikshit highlighted a public notice issued by the Delhi Women and Child Development (WCD) department, which clarified that the Mahila Samman Yojana had not been officially notified by the government and “no such scheme is in existence.” Dikshit alleges that AAP has been collecting personal details from women across Delhi, with promises of benefits under the scheme. He called for a high-level investigation into the matter.

In his December 25 letter, Dikshit referenced announcements by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP, stating that the party planned to pay Rs 1,000 per month to women over 18 years of age, with plans to increase the amount to Rs 2,100 if AAP is re-elected in the 2025 Delhi assembly elections. Dikshit claimed that AAP’s team has been going door-to-door, asking women to sign forms without proper clarification on the legitimacy of the scheme.

The Lieutenant Governor’s letter also instructed the Chief Secretary to report the matter to the Election Commission of India, highlighting concerns about potential violations during the election period. This directive comes ahead of the 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, where AAP expects its proposed welfare scheme to play a significant role in the campaign.

AAP’s Announcement And Registration Process

On December 22, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of registration for two welfare schemes: Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana, both of which aim to provide financial assistance to women in Delhi. Kejriwal emphasize that registration done door-to-door, with teams deploy across the city to help women register for the schemes and provide them with cards. He also mention that it is mandatory to have a valid Delhi voter ID for registration, and individuals could check their voter status on the party’s website.

The Mahila Samman Yojana is design to offer Rs 2,100 per month to women residing in Delhi, but its implementation remains a subject of debate and scrutiny.