The Supreme Court of India has called for a response from Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) regarding a plea filed by the Delhi Government for the re-operationalization of the ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke’ scheme. This scheme, introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, aimed to provide free treatment to victims of road accidents but has been defunct for over a year due to non-payment of bills to private hospitals. The plea also seeks disciplinary action against officials responsible for halting the scheme’s operation.
Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi government, expressed his concerns to the Court, stating,
“This is rather unfortunate. Look at the figures, 23,000 cases have been covered under the scheme. I keep writing and begging, but they stopped payments.”
He questioned the LG’s involvement in the health department, emphasizing that health is a matter of social welfare and devoid of politics.
A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia issued notice in the plea, with the matter being posted after the Christmas vacation of the Court. During the hearing, Justice Gavai remarked on the internal conflict within the government, saying,
“We don’t understand, one wing of the government is fighting with another wing of the government.”
The ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke’ scheme, launched in 2018, ensures free, cashless treatment for road accident victims in the nearest government or private hospital. These hospitals are then reimbursed by the Delhi Arogya Kosh at Ayushman Bharat Health Benefit Package Rates 2.0. The Delhi Government’s plea states that approximately 23,000 road accident victims have received cashless treatment in private hospitals under the scheme.
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However, the scheme has become practically defunct as many hospitals are now reluctant to accept accident victims due to pending payments. The plea reveals that there is a pending payment of Rs. 7.17 Crores with respect to 42 private hospitals. Despite oral and written directions by the Health Department of the GNCTD regarding the clearance of pending bills, the defaulting officials have failed to take action.
The Delhi Government contends that the de-operationalization of the scheme is arbitrary and goes against the principles of federalism. The plea stresses the lack of accountability to the Delhi government and argues that civil servants in the national capital are jeopardizing day-to-day governance and citizens’ fundamental needs by not following orders.
The Delhi Chief Minister had written to the LG on this issue but has not received any response. The plea argues that, in view of the 2023 Amendment to the GNCTD Act, 1991, the Delhi Government has no power to take action against the defaulting officials, and only the LG, either acting on the recommendation of the National Capital Civil Services Authority or in his sole discretion, can take action.
This plea before the Supreme Court highlights the challenges faced in the implementation of welfare schemes and the complexities of governance in the national capital.