In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the 2025 Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections, the announcement by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to offer Rs. 1,000 per month to every woman in Delhi (above the age of 18) has stirred a major controversy. The promise of this monthly cash incentive, which was later enhanced to Rs. 2,100, has raised concerns over privacy violations and data collection practices.
In response to the scheme, the Principal Secretary of Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) office wrote a stern letter to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police. The letter expressed concerns about the collection of personal data and forms from citizens by non-government individuals under the guise of distributing benefits.
The LG’s office has directed that an inquiry be conducted by the Divisional Commissioner into the matter, focusing on how personal details are being gathered. The Chief Secretary has been asked to ensure proper investigation into the collection process, while the Commissioner of Police has been urged to take action against individuals violating citizens’ privacy by collecting their personal information without legal authorization.
The move has sparked a fierce political debate. AAP’s leaders have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to undermine their social welfare schemes ahead of the elections, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal calling it a deliberate attempt to create obstacles for his government’s initiatives.
Meanwhile, the BJP has seized the opportunity to criticize the data collection practices, calling it an invasion of privacy and a violation of citizens’ rights. Senior BJP leaders have questioned whether the AAP is using this scheme to gather voter data for electoral advantage, alleging potential misuse of personal information.
This controversy has quickly gained traction on social media, with both AAP and BJP supporters debating the legitimacy of the data collection process and the ethical implications of offering such financial promises to citizens. The future of this scheme remains uncertain, with the ongoing inquiry by the LG’s office potentially affecting the AAP’s election strategy in 2025.