NEW DELHI: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta on Monday raised the issue of women’s dignity and conduct by public representatives in the Assembly, after an exchange involving AAP MLA Anil Jha and a social media reel drew attention during the ongoing Monsoon Session.Rekha Gupta said derogatory remarks, indecent behaviour and objectionable gestures towards women were inconsistent with democratic values and the dignity of the House. She said protecting women’s dignity in public life was a collective responsibility of all elected representatives.The chief minister’s remarks came during a discussion around the Delhi government’s flagship Lakshmi Yojana, under which eligible women aged 21 to 60 will receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500.The chief minister’s outburst towards the AAP MLA came after a reel showing Vats signing documents while wearing only his undergarments went viral on social media platforms, prompting questions over his conduct and propriety in the presence of women seeking assistance under the scheme.Addressing Jha, who was present in the House, Gupta urged legislators to maintain proper conduct when women visit the Assembly for assistance under the scheme, particularly when they approach MLAs for recommendations and signatures.“Keeping the dignity of women in mind, MLAs should conduct themselves properly and treat women with respect,” Gupta said.Gupta also referred to a social media reel involving Jha and questioned the appropriateness of his conduct in front of women.“Delhi’s women are asking how such behaviour can be acceptable. Such conduct in front of the women of Delhi is shameful,” she said.In the video posted by news agency PTI, Gupta can be heard telling Jha, “Arre Kapde Pehen ke to Baitho… aapse sign karane ke liye mahilayen aa rahin hain.”The chief minister said the issue was particularly important because women would be approaching legislators in connection with the Lakshmi Yojana.As per news agency PTI, the scheme was launched on August 1 and provides Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women, subject to conditions including age, residence and household criteria. Women aged 21-60 are eligible, while those having more than three children and those from households with annual power consumption exceeding 2,400 units are excluded.The first instalment of the Lakshmi Yojana is likely to be released around Raksha Bandhan on August 28.AAP leaders have raised concerns over aspects of the scheme, including the application process and eligibility conditions. These include a requirement that beneficiaries be residents of Delhi for at least 10 years and obtain a recommendation from their local MP or MLA.Gupta’s remarks therefore came against the backdrop of women approaching legislators as part of the registration process. The Chief Minister stressed that such interactions should take place with dignity and respect.She also reiterated that the Delhi government was committed to protecting women’s dignity and rights, making the conduct of elected representatives part of the wider discussion around implementation of the scheme.(With agency inputs)
