Delhi Govt to review welfare schemes to ensure help reaches eligible beneficiaries: CM Rekha Gupta
Gupta also said the process of issuing digital ID cards to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) will start soon.
Taking a dig at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime, Gupta said the former government had cheated the deprived section of society, but her government will not allow such misuse anymore.
'Our aim is to establish a robust, inclusive, and sensitive support system. We will ensure that no deserving individual is left out, and public funds are used responsibly,' the CM said.
The chief minister also accused the previous government of consistent fraud and negligence towards Delhi's underprivileged communities.
'Many ineligible individuals benefited from schemes meant for the truly needy,' said Gupta as she alleged there were serious irregularities in the disbursement of widow pensions during the previous administration's tenure.
'Many women who were not eligible were granted pensions unchecked. Our government will not allow such malpractice. Those who are truly eligible will receive financial assistance under all circumstances, but those found ineligible will be excluded from these schemes,' she said
Review meeting
The CM also held a high-level meeting with officials of the Social Welfare Department and the Department for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing schemes designed to uplift economically and socially marginalised communities.
Gupta said the government is not only providing financial assistance but also extending support in the form of rehabilitation, skill development, education, and other essential welfare services.
Officials said the Delhi chief minister also reviewed several key welfare schemes designed to support vulnerable sections of society.
The Financial Assistance for Senior Citizens scheme provides monthly financial aid to individuals aged 60 and above, especially those from SC/ST communities or economically weaker backgrounds.
'Depending on their age, eligible beneficiaries receive between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,500 per month. Over four lakh senior citizens have already benefited from this initiative, which is designed to help them live with dignity,' said an official.
Another initiative of the Delhi Government is the Assistance to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), under which individuals with severe disabilities who are unable to support themselves are granted Rs 2,500 per month. So far, around 1.34 lakh people have received this support, which aims to promote their social and economic empowerment.
The Delhi Family Benefit Scheme (DFBS) provides a one-time financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to families that have lost their primary breadwinner, said officials. The scheme is currently available to approximately 1,100 dependents, officials said.
Additionally, the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme focuses on rehabilitating individuals involved in begging. It provides essential services, including shelter, medical care, counselling, skill training, and livelihood opportunities, to help them reintegrate into mainstream society with dignity and purpose.
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