Delhi government's ration scheme returned for reconsideration: LG

The Delhi LG office on Saturday has clarified that it has not rejected the 'Doorstep Delivery of Ration' scheme file, but it has been returned to the Chief Minister for reconsideration. Earlier, the Delhi government had claimed that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has blocked its 'Doorstep Delivery of Ration' scheme.

The Delhi government claimed that the doorstep delivery of the ration scheme would have benefitted 72 lakh ration cardholders in the national capital and termed the move 'politically motivated'.

The L-G said that the move has been taken to ensure the constitutional scheme of things is followed in letter and spirit with the sole aim to ensure smooth decisions and seamless benefits to people at large.

"The file pertaining to 'notification on home delivery of processed and packaged ration under TDPS' proposed to be implemented through a private vendor/vendors has been returned for reconsideration to the CM Arvind Kejriwal by the Lt Governor," the LG office said in a statement.

The LG office returned the file for implementation of the scheme citing two reasons - Centre is yet to approve the scheme and an ongoing court case.

Reasons for the decision

Since the proposal seeks to change the method of distribution, it requires the approval of the Central government as per the National Food Security Act, 2013.

A writ petition has been filed by the Delhi Sarkari Ration Dealers Sangh in the Delhi High Court challenging the Delhi government's scheme. The Union of India is also a party. The petition will be heard on August 20.