Inside Delhi’s 100-Day Governance Report: What’s Changing for Residents in 2025
The Delhi government has unveiled its 100-day report card, placing a strong emphasis on social justice, financial support, and employment for historically marginalized groups. From increasing pension contributions to offering jobs to riot victims and political prisoners, the AAP-led administration is signaling a strategic welfare-driven agenda in the capital.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Pension hike for 8.45 lakh beneficiaries
- Permanent jobs for 1984 riot victims’ kin
- Pension extension to Emergency-era political prisoners
- Free Ayushman Bharat cards for Delhi residents
- Deployment of 4000 new security marshals in buses
- Major public outreach and transparency initiatives
Each of these promises ties into a broader narrative of inclusive governance and direct citizen support.
Pension Boost for 8.45 Lakh Residents
Finance Minister Atishi announced that the Delhi government will increase its contribution to the social welfare pension scheme by ₹1000 per beneficiary. Currently, Delhi contributes ₹2000, and the Centre adds ₹1000. The hike will bring Delhi’s share to ₹3000, totaling ₹4000 for eligible recipients including senior citizens, differently abled persons, and widows.
This change will benefit nearly 8.45 lakh individuals across Delhi, aiming to provide financial relief amid rising living costs.
Job Security for Families Affected by the 1984 Riots
In a landmark move, the government plans to offer permanent jobs to one member from each family affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. These appointments will be made based on a compassionate grounds policy, and the process is already underway with legal and bureaucratic formalities being fast-tracked.
This is part of a larger commitment to healing the long-standing wounds of the past, with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee supporting the government’s efforts.
Emergency Political Prisoners to Receive Monthly Pensions
Another first: individuals who were jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency (1975–77) will receive monthly pensions from the Delhi government.
These citizens, who the government describes as having “stood firm against authoritarianism,” are being honored through direct monetary support. Though exact figures have not been released, the initiative has been well-received by activists and historians.
Free Ayushman Bharat Cards for All Delhi Residents
Health coverage is expanding too. Delhi has started issuing free Ayushman Bharat cards to its residents, aiming to bring more people under the national health insurance umbrella. These cards are valid at both government and empaneled private hospitals.
The government aims to register lakhs of households in the next few months, with help from ward-level volunteers.
Safety in Public Transport: 4000 Marshals to Be Deployed
To ensure safer commuting, especially for women, 4000 new civil defense volunteers will be deployed as bus marshals across Delhi’s DTC and cluster buses. This initiative expands on an earlier program credited with reducing harassment and boosting ridership among women passengers.
Political Transparency and Outreach
According to Atishi, Delhi’s ministers and MLAs have conducted over 700 public meetings and “jan samvad” programs in the last 100 days. These meetings focus on ground-level grievances and ensure policy awareness.
Additionally, over 17 lakh people received government services through doorstep delivery programs, and more than 6 lakh benefitted from mohalla clinics and polyclinics.
Why This 100-Day Report Matters
This report offers more than just statistics—it reflects a clear shift toward targeted welfare, particularly for those previously excluded from mainstream economic and political support. By combining financial relief with employment and healthcare, Delhi is crafting a model of localized, inclusive governance.
These developments come ahead of important civic and national elections, making them politically significant as well.
What’s Next?
While these schemes are promising, their long-term success depends on implementation speed and transparency. Job offers, pension rollouts, and card distribution must be monitored closely to ensure every eligible individual benefits.
If executed well, these initiatives could set a precedent for urban social governance in other parts of India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who will benefit from the increased social welfare pension in Delhi?
The pension hike will benefit nearly 8.45 lakh individuals, including senior citizens, differently abled persons, and widows enrolled under the social welfare scheme. With the increase, each eligible beneficiary will now receive a total of ₹4000 per month — ₹3000 from the Delhi government and ₹1000 from the Centre.
2. When will the pension increase come into effect?
The Delhi government has not announced a specific rollout date, but the process has been initiated and is expected to be implemented in the upcoming fiscal quarter. Beneficiaries will be informed through official communication channels.
3. How will jobs be provided to the families of 1984 riot victims?
The government will provide permanent jobs to one eligible member from each affected family based on compassionate grounds. A fast-track process involving documentation, verification, and departmental coordination has been launched to expedite these appointments.
4. What is the criteria for Emergency-era prisoners to get a pension?
Individuals who were jailed under laws such as the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency (1975–77) are eligible. The Delhi government is preparing a verified list of such individuals, and they will be contacted for enrollment into the pension program.
5. Are Ayushman Bharat cards available to all Delhi residents?
Yes, Delhi residents are now eligible to receive free Ayushman Bharat cards under the government’s new initiative. The cards can be used for cashless treatment at both government and empaneled private hospitals. Registration is being facilitated at ward levels and government outreach centers.
6. What is the role of new bus marshals in Delhi’s public transport system?
The 4000 newly deployed bus marshals (civil defense volunteers) will enhance commuter safety, especially for women and children. Their presence aims to prevent harassment, assist passengers in emergencies, and maintain order in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses.
7. How is the government tracking the impact of these initiatives?
The Delhi government is using doorstep service data, public grievance platforms, and community engagement programs to assess the effectiveness of these schemes. Reports and feedback from “jan samvads” are also being used for monitoring and course correction.
8. Can people apply online for these benefits?
For most schemes — including pensions, Ayushman cards, and job applications — forms and application procedures are available both online and at designated government offices. Ward-level volunteers are assisting residents who may face difficulty accessing digital services.