CM Calls for Probe Into Unutilized ₹5,200 Crore Under AAP Government

Quick Summary

• Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of having an “anti-worker mindset.”
• She highlighted that ₹5,200 crore in labor welfare funds was left unused while thousands of construction workers awaited crucial benefits.
• Gupta proposed a probe into this issue and recommended referring it to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for strict action against officials and ministers responsible for the lapse.
• The CAG report for the year ending March 31, 2023, revealed major underutilisation of funds designated for maternity benefits, disability support, housing assistance, accident compensation, skill development, and other welfare schemes.
• The Speaker referred three CAG reports presented in the Delhi Assembly to PAC.
• Criticism arose regarding fees charged by the previous Delhi government for worker registration and renewal-₹25 and ₹20 respectively-while these services are free at the national level. Only 7% of workers’ data was renewed annually in Delhi compared to a 100% national rate.
• AAP MLA Virendra Kadian defended his party’s actions during COVID years as mitigating circumstances affecting fund usage. He noted financial assistance given to registered workers during this time.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The revelation about unused labour welfare funds underscores notable administrative lapses highlighted by the recent CAG report.On one hand, failure to deploy ₹5,200 crore intended for essential worker benefits affects millions who rely on these resources; maternity care programs or worker accident compensations symbolize critical safeguards missing nation-wise without properly functioning delive