In an interesting development, Delhi state government's Women and Child Development department (WCD) has issued a notice saying that 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' which was announced by former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has not been official notified by the government.

In its public notice, the WCD said that anyone or any political party who is collecting information from citizens in the name of the scheme was "committing fraud"

"It is clarified that no such scheme has been notified by the Delhi Government," said the department in its notice published in national newspapers on Wednesday (December 25).

"It is emphasised that since no such Scheme is in existence, the question of acceptance of the form/application for registration under this non-existent Scheme does not arise. Any private person/political party who is collecting forms/applications or collecting information from applicants in the name of this scheme is committing fraud and has no authority,” said the notice further.

The department alerted citizens against sharing personal details like bank account information, voter ID cards and so on with unauthorized persons.

“The general citizens of Delhi are advised not to fall for the false promises of this non-existent scheme as these are misleading and don’t have any authority. The general public is also requested to exercise caution in providing personal details to any unauthorised person to avoid any fraud or data breach in future," said the notice.

Kejriwal on Sunday announced that registration for 'Mahila Samman Scheme' under which he has promised Rs 2100 per month for women in Delhi, will begin on December 23.

It is perceived that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is trying to emulate 'Laadki Bahin' scheme floated by Mahayuti in Maharashtra which is seen to have benefitted the ruling alliance as its secured a landslide victory in recently concluded Maharashtra elections.

Elections for Delhi assembly are expected to take place in a few months.