Subsidies in Capital will continue: Planning dept cautions against rumours

DAYS AFTER Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy case, the Planning Department has issued an order, asking residents to “stay away from rumour mongers” who would try to “take advantage” of the situation “by spreading misinformation”.

In an order, released as a press note, Secretary (Planning) Niharika Rai said: “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, judicial remand of Chief Minister of GNCTD by Enforcement Directorate on March 21, 2024, welfare schemes and subsidies given by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi will be stopped.”

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, said Rai, adding that such rumours create an atmosphere of fear among the people, and hence, it is necessary to inform them that there will be no disruptions in the disbursement of admissible subsidies, pensions, welfare benefits and social welfare funds, and that other facilities will also continue.

“Social welfare schemes are funded with public money through the consolidated fund backed by budgetary allocations... Social welfare funds are neither 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 the Hon’ble Chief Minister,” read the statement.