New Delhi, July 22:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a comprehensive review of all ongoing welfare schemes under the state government, aiming to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries continue to receive assistance. In a strong statement against alleged misuse during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, Gupta emphasized her government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
During a high-level meeting on Monday with officials from the Social Welfare Department and the Department for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Chief Minister directed that all welfare initiatives be scrutinized for effectiveness and fairness. “Our focus is to build a transparent, robust, and inclusive support system that prioritizes the truly deserving,” Gupta said.
The CM accused the previous government of widespread negligence and malpractice in welfare delivery. “Ineligible individuals were allowed to benefit from schemes that were meant for the truly needy,” she said, specifically pointing to irregularities in widow pension disbursements. Gupta asserted that such mismanagement would no longer be tolerated under her administration.
Digital IDs and Greater Oversight
Among the key reforms announced was the rollout of digital identification cards for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). This move is aimed at streamlining the verification process and ensuring more efficient service delivery. Gupta said that the government would soon initiate the distribution of these digital IDs to minimize fraudulent claims and maximize outreach.
“Our welfare model will not allow loopholes that divert public money from those who need it most,” Gupta said, adding that proper verification mechanisms will be strengthened across all schemes.
Spotlight on Existing Schemes
The review meeting also focused on assessing the performance and integrity of several flagship welfare schemes currently in operation.
The Financial Assistance for Senior Citizens program provides monthly support of ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 to individuals above the age of 60, particularly those belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or economically weaker sections. More than four lakh senior citizens have benefited from this scheme so far.
Similarly, the Assistance to Persons with Disabilities initiative extends ₹2,500 per month to individuals with severe disabilities who are unable to support themselves. Around 1.34 lakh beneficiaries have been covered under this scheme, which is aimed at enhancing the social and economic independence of PwDs.
Another key program under scrutiny is the Delhi Family Benefit Scheme (DFBS), which offers a one-time payment of ₹20,000 to families that have lost their primary breadwinner. Currently, approximately 1,100 dependents are receiving aid through DFBS.
The Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme was also reviewed. This program focuses on the rehabilitation of people involved in begging by offering shelter, healthcare, counselling, skills training, and livelihood opportunities. The goal, Gupta noted, is to help such individuals reintegrate into society with dignity.
Future Directions
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of not just financial assistance, but also providing long-term support through rehabilitation, education, and skill development. “We are determined to build a welfare ecosystem that uplifts, empowers, and protects,” she said.
Officials present at the meeting affirmed that steps would be taken immediately to tighten beneficiary verification processes, update eligibility criteria, and digitize record-keeping for greater transparency.
The government’s new approach, according to Gupta, reflects a shift from populism to precision-targeted welfare. “We will make sure every rupee spent reaches the right person,” she concluded.
