CM Rekha Gupta's Twin Strike: Approves Ayushman Yojana, Vows To Table 14 Pending CAG Reports During Assembly Session

New Delhi: Newly sworn-in Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced plans to table 14 pending CAG reports in the first Assembly session of the new BJP government. Her government has also approved the Centre's ‘Ayushman Yojana’ to be implemented in Delhi in the meeting of the Delhi Cabinet, which was earlier stalled during the AAP's rule under Arvind Kejriwal. According to the information, these Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reports, allegedly blocked by the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, have been a point of contention between the BJP and AAP. Importantly, the Centre's ‘Ayushman Yojana’ was also approved in the meeting of the Delhi Cabinet. 

The BJP has accused the AAP of deliberately withholding the reports, which related to various aspects of governance, including the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), public health, and mohalla clinics. The party claims that the reports will reveal financial irregularities and mismanagement by the previous government. The Delhi High Court had earlier ordered the AAP government to table the reports in the Assembly, criticising the delay in submitting them for discussion.

The newly elected Delhi government’s first move is seen as a major step towards transparency and accountability in governance and prioritising healthcare.

Govt’s Vows To Reveal Alleged Irregularities

The CAG reports, allegedly withheld by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, are claimed to reveal staggering overspending on various projects. One such report has already uncovered large-scale irregularities in the planning, tendering, and execution of renovation works at 6 Flag Staff Road, the Delhi Chief Minister's official residence. The project's cost escalated dramatically from Rs 7.61 crore in 2020 to Rs 33.66 crore by April 2022, marking a 342% increase from the original estimate.

Implementing Ayushman Bharat Scheme

In addition to tabling the CAG reports, CM Rekha Gupta approved the implementation of the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi. The scheme, which was allegedly stalled by her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal, offers financial protection of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. Designed to support secondary and tertiary care hospitalisations, the scheme benefits approximately 55 crore people across 12.37 crore families, covering the economically vulnerable bottom 40 percent of India's population.

CAG Reports To Be Tabled In First Assembly Session

Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister stated, "In the first Cabinet meeting, we discussed and passed two agendas, which included the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi with Rs 5 lakhs top up and tabling of 14 CAG reports in the first seating of the Assembly."

Prior to the Cabinet meeting of the newly sworn in council of ministers chaired by CM Rekha Gupta, they attended the Vasudev Ghat on the banks of River Yamuna and performed Aarti. After the Aarti, the CM reiterated the government's commitment to clean Yamuna, fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s promise and vision.