Delhi govt on a spree to launch populist schemes

With elections to the Delhi assembly around the corner, the city government is  on a spree to roll out populist schemes. 

The city cabinet approved the decision to continue providing sugar to 3.64 lakh BPL (below poverty line) and AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) ration card holders through ration shops at subsidised rate of Rs 13.50 per kg even though the union government has stopped supplies following decontrol of the sugar sector. 

The cabinet also approved the proposal to set up a 100-bed hospital in Sarita Vihar. It also decided to grant a 15 per cent hike in the remuneration of Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS).

The cabinet meeting held on Monday was chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. ‘The Cabinet today (on Monday) decided to continue supply of sugar at Rs 13.50 per kg under public distribution system to 3.64 lakh BPL and Antodaya Anna Yojana ration card holders,’ Dikshit said.

The Chief Minister said government would procure 2,200 metric tonnes of sugar per month through Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd from open market through competitive bidding. 

The government would bear the difference between the procurement cost of sugar and the subsidy amount to be given by the Centre. 

‘This would ensure supply of sugar at the existing rate of Rs 13.50 per kg to the BPL and AAY ration card holders,’ she said adding the city government would continue to provide 6 kgs of sugar per ration card monthly. 

She further said that her government has been concentrating on expansion of healthcare facilities across Delhi. The hospital to be built in Sarita Vihar, she said, would provide healthcare to the residents of the area particularly the poorest sections of the society.

She said the government would release Rs 90 lakh per annum to meet the increased portion of the remunerations of the 513 contractual employees of DSACS who have been working for more than three-five years.