Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced that it has formed a 13-member committee of lawyers to give recommendations on the utilisation of the fund for advocates’ welfare. The committee will submit the recommendations within 10 days.

The Government had kept Rs 50 crore for the welfare of the advocates in the current budget 2019-20 under the Chief Minister Advocate Welfare Scheme as requested by various advocates’ organizations, he said.

“Delhi Government recognises the invaluable contributions of the advocates to the society. It was a long time demand from the advocate community to initiate an exclusive scheme for their welfare. It has been materialised now. This scheme is very unique as no such scheme has been initiated so far in the country for the welfare of the advocates,” he added.

“The Government will not decide where the funds will be spent. The 13-lawyer committee was formed and will decide where the funds should be used. Supreme Court Bar Association President Rakesh Khanna will head the committee of lawyers from all Bar Associations of Delhi to decide on the utilisation of Rs 50 crore of Chief Minister’s Advocates Welfare Scheme.”

Other members consists of representatives from various advocates bodies that demanded the welfare scheme.

Kejriwal said the committee will submit its report within 10 days and Delhi Government will implement the scheme” as early as possible based on recommendation.

“We have fulfilled another election promise. Delhi Government keeps considering the demands of various sections of the society. Even the Government ensured free electricity for middle class families.  Our Government is sensitive towards the needs of the people and we fulfill them with utmost care and dedication”, he added.