NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed dismay over the city government’s refusal to accept financial aid under the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), a health scheme offering Rs 5 lakh insurance coverage to underprivileged citizens.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela described the refusal as “strange,” particularly given the capital’s ongoing struggles with inadequate healthcare infrastructure and financial constraints.
“You may have differences of opinion, but you are refusing aid. None of your machines are functioning, and you don’t have the funds to fix them,” the Chief Justice remarked.
The case stems from a PIL filed by seven BJP MPs, seeking the scheme’s implementation. The petitioners argued that the refusal leaves Delhi as the only UT without access to the health coverage, forcing residents to bear heavy out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Chief Justice Manmohan was unequivocal in his criticism of the government’s stance. “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,” he said.
The court noted delays in hospital construction projects due to financial stress and said the administration’s failure to utilise Central aid was exacerbating the situation.
The petitioners accused the Delhi government of prioritising political conflicts over public welfare. “Clash of political ideologies must take a back seat for the welfare of residents,” the plea said.
It highlighted that of the 36 states and UTs in India, 33 have implemented AB-PMJAY, with Odisha actively considering it, making Delhi’s non-compliance “arbitrary and unreasonable.”
The plea also cited Manish Sisodia’s 2020-21 budget speech, where he committed to implementing the scheme.
The government’s standing counsel argued that the plea appeared “misconceived” and requested time to examine it. The court adjourned the matter to November 28.