The Mahila Samman Scheme has come under scrutiny as Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena ordered an inquiry into allegations of privacy violations. The probe focuses on claims that private individuals collected personal details of women under the pretense of the scheme, sparking a political controversy between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The directive follows a complaint by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, who alleged fraudulent activities and misuse of personal data. The LG’s office has also asked the Chief Secretary to inform the Election Commission of India (ECI) about these developments, as the scheme has significant political implications ahead of the February Assembly elections.
Privacy Concerns Spark Investigation
Delhi LG VK Saxena has instructed the Chief Secretary to conduct an inquiry through the Divisional Commissioner into allegations of unauthorized data collection under the Mahila Samman Scheme. A letter from the Principal Secretary emphasized the need for strict action against any violation of citizens’ privacy. The directive also urged the Police Commissioner to take legal steps against individuals found collecting personal data without authorization.
The Mahila Samman Scheme, proposed by the AAP government, aims to provide ₹1,000 per month to women aged 18 and older in Delhi. If re-elected, AAP has pledged to increase this amount to ₹2,100 per month. However, the alleged misuse of the scheme has raised questions about its transparency and implementation.
Political Controversy Deepens
The inquiry into the Mahila Samman Scheme has ignited a heated political debate. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to derail the scheme to weaken AAP’s electoral prospects. At a press conference, Kejriwal warned voters that a BJP win would result in the discontinuation of welfare programs like the Mahila Samman Yojna.
Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit, who initiated the complaint, alleged that AAP workers were canvassing door-to-door, collecting personal details from women under the guise of enrolling them in the scheme. He also questioned the scheme’s credibility, citing discrepancies in similar promises made by AAP in Punjab.
Government’s Measures To Address Concerns
Earlier this week, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department issued a public notice advising citizens against filling out forms distributed by unauthorized individuals. The department announced plans to launch a secure digital portal for form submissions, ensuring transparency and data security.
The WCD Department’s notice highlighted the need for proper verification processes to prevent misuse of personal information. Additionally, the department clarified that the scheme would only proceed following its official notification.
AAP’s Defense and Public Support
AAP has strongly defended the Mahila Samman Scheme, emphasizing its popularity among Delhi’s women. The party claimed that over 22 lakh women had already registered for the program, reflecting its widespread appeal. AAP also accused the BJP of orchestrating the inquiry through the LG’s office to undermine the scheme’s success.
In response to the allegations, AAP reiterated its commitment to women’s welfare and criticized the BJP for allegedly disregarding issues affecting women. The party expressed confidence in the scheme’s ability to empower women and bolster their financial independence.
Past Controversies Surrounding Welfare Schemes
The Mahila Samman Scheme is not the first welfare initiative to face scrutiny. Similar programs in other states have been questioned for their feasibility and execution. The controversy surrounding the scheme underscores the challenges of implementing large-scale welfare programs while ensuring accountability and data protection.
As the February Assembly elections approach, the political fallout from the Mahila Samman Scheme is likely to intensify, shaping the narrative around governance, welfare, and privacy in Delhi.