'Our schemes superior': Delhi government opposes rollout of Ayushman Bharat
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has declined to implement the Centre's Ayushman Bharat Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY), saying its own health schemes offer "superior" benefits.
The decision was conveyed to the Delhi High Court, which was hearing a petition filed by seven Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs seeking the central scheme's implementation in the capital.
Delhi Health and Family Welfare Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said adopting AB PMJAY would downgrade existing health services in Delhi.
DAK superiority
AAP government defends its health scheme
The AAP government claims its flagship Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme provides more extensive coverage than AB PMJAY.
In the affidavit filed in court, it said, "The PMJAY scheme would only benefit about 12% to 15% of Delhi's population," while DAK covers a wider demographic.
It also slammed AB PMJAY for using outdated 2011 Census data.
"Any scheme...based upon outdated data can by no stretch of imagination be thrust down the throat of any other government," the affidavit added.
Policy interference
AAP government questions court's role in policymaking
Further, the Delhi government reiterated that policymaking is its sole domain and courts shouldn't interfere.
It contended that in a federal structure, states aren't required to adopt central policies if local systems are better.
"In Delhi's case, our healthcare framework is far superior, and adopting AB PMJAY would be a step backwards," the affidavit read.
The AAP minister said that the petition "is nothing else but a politically motivated... filed in view of the ensuing elections to the legislative assembly."
Scheme support
BJP MP counters Delhi government's stance
Countering the AAP government's stand, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said there is no willingness from the Delhi government to implement the central scheme.
She clarified that Ayushman Bharat was meant to support state initiatives, not replace them.
The high court had earlier asked both governments to sign a memorandum of understanding by January 5 for implementing Ayushman Bharat.
"The non-implementation of the PM-ABHIM Scheme in Delhi, when 33 states and UTs have already implemented...would not be justified," the court said.