Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday responded to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, refuting allegations of halting the “Farishtey Scheme” calling it a “pre-meditated exercise of hubris” aimed at shirking responsibilities.
In a communiqué to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday declined to issue any direction or order on the Faristey scheme as the matter is sub judice. This comes after the Supreme Court sought a response from Delhi lieutenant governor’s office and others on a plea filed by the AAP government seeking release of funds for its ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke’ scheme providing free treatment to accident victims.
“Since the matter is now sub-judice before the Supreme Court, it would not be proper for me to issue any direction/order/opinion in the instant matter at this stage. It is surprising that instead of obtaining full facts and circumstances of the matter from the concerned administrative department and coordinating with Delhi Arogya Nidhi / Finance Department of Delhi government, the Minister (Health / Finance) has preferred to file a writ before the Supreme Court. It appears that, what is being played out is nothing but that characteristic game of disowning one’s own failures, ineptness and inefficiency and creating a public perception that one is not being allowed to work,” LG said in his communiqué.
“In fact, I am informed that the total number of beneficiaries under the RTA (Farishtey) Scheme during 2022-23 was 3698 and the same stands at 3604 in 07 months, till October 31 during FY 2023-24. The payments done to private hospitals for the same in FY 2022-23 stood at Rs. 4,85,46,973 and the same till October this year stands at Rs. 3,54,35,230. These figures, prima facie neither indicate a “halt” in the Scheme, nor do they support allegations of “non-payment”, made by the Minister and endorsed by the Chief Minister - in fact they belie the claims,” he said.
Saxena further said that he was informed that the said Scheme is a component of the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK), a society constituted vide a Cabinet Decision in 2011. Its component include (i) Financial Assistance to EWS patients; (ii) Free High End Radiological Diagnostic Test Scheme; (iii) Cashless Specified Surgeries Scheme; (iv) Road Traffic Accident (RTA) schemc; and (v) Cashless Dialysis Scheme.
“It is essential to underscore that while the Chief Minister may refer any proposals or matters of administrative importance, these proposals, as per Rule 23(viii) of the Transactions of Business Rules, 1993, are mandated to follow the prescribed route through the Chief Secretary. As the proposal in question did not adhere to this specified route, I deemed it necessary to refer the matter to the Chief Secretary with the purpose to obtain a factual report before considering any action on the proposal,” reads the communiqué.
Atishi in her has made certain allegations, such as non-payment of pending bills, raised by some private hospitals who had treated victims of road accident under Farishtey’ scheme. The ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke’ scheme encourages people to rescue those who have met with road accidents. Under it, the government foots the hospital bills of those who have met with accidents in the city.
