Delhi government defends Lakshmi Yojana endorsement rule in High Court

The Delhi government has defended the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana requirement for applicants to obtain an endorsement from their local MP or MLA, telling the Delhi High Court that comparable welfare schemes in other states use recommendations from elected representatives.

The submission concerns the recently launched aid scheme and its application process. The endorsement requirement adds a step for residents seeking assistance through their constituency’s elected representative.

The High Court has previously examined the basis for the requirement, including in hearings that questioned the MP/MLA endorsement rule and sought the government’s justification. The government told the court that Delhi is not alone in making such endorsements part of welfare-scheme eligibility or processing.

The court will consider the government’s defence as the challenge to the requirement proceeds.