New Delhi (India), January 22: Congress leader Ajay Maken has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of being involved in a health-related scam worth Rs 382 crore. Maken’s allegations stem from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which highlights the alleged misuse of funds in the health sector under Kejriwal’s leadership.
Addressing a press conference, Maken pointed out that while Kejriwal had built his political career on an anti-corruption platform, the CAG reports now allege serious corruption within his government. Maken claimed that one such report reveals a discrepancy of Rs 382.52 crore spent beyond the tender amounts on three hospitals, a matter he said was intentionally kept from being tabled in the Delhi Assembly.
“The CAG reports reveal that more than Rs 382 crore was spent over and above the tender amounts for three hospitals. This was the reason why Kejriwal did not allow the CAG report to be presented in the Vidhan Sabha,” Maken said.
The Congress leader also accused the AAP government of causing significant delays in the construction of hospitals, noting that only three hospitals—initiated during Congress’ tenure—have been completed in the past decade. He criticized the AAP government for the prolonged delays, citing specific cases such as the Indira Gandhi Hospital, which was delayed by five years, the Burari Hospital, which faced a six-year delay, and the Maulana Azad Dental Hospital, delayed by three years. Maken also pointed to the additional costs incurred for these delays, including Rs 314 crore for the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Rs 41 crore for Burari, and Rs 26 crore for Maulana Azad Dental Hospital.
Maken further revealed that between 2016-17 and 2021-22, Rs 2,623 crore allocated for infrastructure development had lapsed, as the funds were not utilized by the AAP government. He also criticized the handling of a central government grant of Rs 653 crore during the COVID-19 crisis, of which Rs 360 crore went unspent. Additionally, despite an announcement to create 32,000 medical beds, only 1,235 beds were installed, representing a meager 3.8% achievement.
“During the COVID period, the Delhi government failed to utilize Rs 2,623 crore sanctioned for infrastructure. Moreover, 56% of the Rs 635 crore COVID-19 grant from the Centre went unspent,” Maken said, adding that the Delhi government fell far short of its promises regarding medical facilities.
Highlighting issues with staffing in hospitals, Maken pointed to significant shortages in both medical and nursing staff in Rajiv Gandhi and Janakpuri Super Speciality hospitals. According to the CAG report, doctor shortages ranged from 50-74%, while nursing staff shortages were as high as 73-96%. The occupancy rates at the Janakpuri hospital were also reported to be as low as 20-40% due to these staffing deficiencies.
Maken concluded by accusing the AAP government of “criminal negligence” and a failure to prioritize public health, despite receiving substantial central assistance.