The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed their shock over the Delhi government refusal to accept financial aid through a centrally funded health scheme. A bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that it was “strange” that the Delhi government is refusing central aid when it has “no money” for its healthcare system.
Court Observations
The bench remarked, “In this sort of mess, you are not accepting central aid, you have no money for the healthcare system. Your hospitals are not complete, and machines are not working, but you don’t want to accept aid, very strange.”
The bench made this remark while hearing a PIL filed by seven BJP MP’s, demanding the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana in Delhi. The health insurance scheme offers an annual coverage of Rs 5 Lakh per family. The lawmakers in their PIL pointed out, that Delhi is the only Union Territory where the scheme is not implemented. The petitioners accused the Delhi government of prioritising political conflicts over public welfare. The plea stated, “Clash of political ideologies must take a back seat for the welfare of residents.”
It further called out Delhi’s non compliance as “arbitrary and unreasonable,” as 33 out of 36 states/UT’s have implemented AB-PMJAY. Out of these states Odisha is actively contemplating it. Additionally, the plea gave reference of Manish Sisodia’s 2020–21 budget speech, in which he had pledged to implement the scheme.
While hearing, the Court remarked, “Today you are refusing Rs 5 lakh for the citizens. We are shocked. You may have a difference of opinion, but in this case, you are refusing aid. None of your machines are working. The machines have to work, but you have no money actually.” It further added, “Prima facie, we don’t feel you are taking a proper stand.”
Chief Justice Manmohan while addressing the Delhi government’s counsel was unequivocal in his criticism of the government’s stance. He said, “I am shocked. You are refusing Rs 5 lakh for citizens in need while being virtually bankrupt. Your health minister and health secretary are not even communicating. In that sort of mess you are not accepting central aid.” The court then adjourned the hearing and posted the matter for further hearing on November 28.