Subsidies, schemes in Delhi to continue without disruption, says Delhi Planning Department

March 26, 2024

New Delhi : Days after the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, Delhi’s Planning Department said on Tuesday that public services, social welfare schemes and subsidies provided by the government in the national capital have been “not at all affected.”

In an order, released as a press note, Secretary (Planning) Niharika Rai asked people to “stay away from rumour mongers,” who would try to “take advantage” of the situation “by spreading misinformation”.

“It has been brought to the notice that speculations and rumours are being spread by notorious elements with vested interests in Delhi that with the arrest remand of Chief Minister of GNCTD by Enforcement Directorate on 21 March, 2024, welfare schemes and subsidies given by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi will be stopped,” the statement said.

Rai said that even as the law takes its course in the criminal investigation process, it merits clarification that the administration of schemes and governance are not specific to individuals and will continue as usual.

“Social welfare schemes are funded with public money through the consolidated fund 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 Delhi which continues as usual. Hence, these public services, social welfare schemes and subsidies are not at all affected by the arrest /remand of Hon’ble Chief Minister,” the statement read.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj today said that despite being in ED custody, Kejriwal issued a order instructing Bharadwaj to address health issues in the national capital.