Key Highlights:
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announces major welfare scheme, ‘Sanjeevani Yojana,’ targeting elderly citizens ahead of Delhi Assembly elections.
- Under the scheme, citizens aged 60 and above to receive free treatment at government and private hospitals.
- Arvind Kejriwal pledges equal healthcare access for all, rich or poor.
- Earlier, AAP unveiled ‘Mahila Samman Yojana,’ offering monthly financial assistance to women, promising Rs. 2100 post-election victory.
New Delhi: With the Delhi Assembly elections fast approaching, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ramping up efforts to woo voters by unveiling a series of welfare initiatives. On Wednesday, AAP convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the Sanjeevani Yojana, a landmark healthcare scheme aimed at senior citizens aged 60 and above.
Sanjeevani Yojana: Healthcare for All Seniors
Addressing the public during the announcement, Kejriwal emphasized the importance of respecting and caring for the elderly. “You have brought us here, and now it is our responsibility to take care of you,” he said. The scheme promises free treatment for all senior citizens in both government and private hospitals. Kejriwal assured that this initiative would be implemented as soon as AAP forms the government in Delhi.
He also appealed to senior citizens for their support during the elections, framing the scheme as a gesture of gratitude and respect. “We expect the elderly of Delhi to bless the Aam Aadmi Party on voting day,” Kejriwal added.
Healthcare Without Discrimination
Highlighting the inclusivity of the scheme, Kejriwal stated, “Our government will not discriminate between the rich and the poor. Everyone deserves equal access to healthcare.” He announced that the registration process for the elderly would commence shortly, followed by the issuance of ID cards to ensure streamlined access to healthcare benefits.
Kejriwal had earlier teased the announcement on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “At 1 PM today, I will make an important announcement for our elderly. This will be another milestone in the Delhi model.”
Previous Welfare Announcements: Focus on Women Empowerment
This announcement follows AAP’s earlier initiative for women, the Mahila Samman Yojana, launched on December 12. The scheme initially promised to transfer Rs. 1,000 monthly to eligible women’s accounts. Later, Kejriwal raised the stakes, pledging Rs. 2,100 per month if AAP secures a win in the upcoming elections.
Kejriwal’s strategy of targeting key demographic groups, including women and senior citizens, reflects AAP’s broader vision of inclusive governance and its commitment to addressing the needs of Delhi’s diverse population.
The Delhi Model in Action
The Sanjeevani Yojana and Mahila Samman Yojana are being touted as significant additions to the much-debated “Delhi Model,” which emphasizes accessible healthcare, quality education, and robust welfare measures. With these schemes, Kejriwal is positioning AAP as a party focused on ground-level issues, aiming to secure the trust and votes of Delhiites.
Looking Ahead to the Elections
As the election date nears, AAP’s welfare-driven campaigns are expected to intensify. Whether these promises translate into electoral success will be revealed on polling day, but for now, the Sanjeevani Yojana has added another dimension to Delhi’s pre-election discourse.
