By: Rishali Yadav
Ravinder Indraj Singh won the Bawana Assembly seat by defeating AAP candidate Jai Bhagwan Upkar with a margin of over 31,000 votes, highlighting his strong personal support and the BJP’s growing strength in Delhi. After 27 years, the BJP formed the government in the capital, with representation from the Dalit community included in the cabinet.
Singh currently serves as a Cabinet Minister in the Delhi government, handling key portfolios such as SC/ST Welfare, Social Welfare, Cooperative Affairs, and Elections. He plays an important role in implementing welfare schemes for marginalised communities, strengthening cooperative institutions, and ensuring transparent and efficient electoral processes. Known for his grassroots approach and balanced leadership, Ravinder Indraj Singh continues to contribute to inclusive governance and social development across the state.
In this conversation, the minister shares valuable insights into his portfolios and underscores his commitment to effective, people-centric governance.
How has your long-standing family involvement in politics shaped your approach to public service and leadership, and whom would you like to thank or address in your message to the public?
My family has been associated with politics for a very long time. For decades now, we have been committed to serving people with devotion and sincerity. And you can see it yourself—the crowd gathered here reflects that connection.
When you enter politics, there is a sense of complete dedication. It often happens that a person changes before elections and again after winning. But I firmly believe that there should be no difference between what you say and what you do. When your words and actions remain aligned, everything becomes simpler and more natural.
That has been my approach—who I was on the first day is who I am today. People never feel that I am separate from them or that I have become different because I am a minister. I sincerely thank the public and the party for placing their trust and confidence in me.
Despite multiple welfare schemes, SC/ST students in Delhi still face barriers in higher education and employment. How is your ministry addressing these gaps?
Many of our existing schemes were designed years ago, and most of them now require amendments. The changes we are introducing are being planned with the future in mind. We are looking at factors like rising living costs and the evolving quality of education, and based on these, we are setting long-term horizons—whether 10, 20, or even 30 years. Our aim is to ensure that no child ever feels socially disadvantaged and that every SC/ST student receives equal opportunity.
The amendments will be structured in a way that support increases automatically over time. We will clearly define how much assistance will rise and at what intervals, so that students never face difficulties in the future. Our focus is on making the system predictable, fair, and fully future-ready. And if children receive a good education, employment opportunities will naturally improve. When policies are fair and well-designed, no one will face any form of discrimination.
Has your department initiated any new programs for entrepreneurship or skill development among SC/ST youth?
Yes, our department has recently launched several targeted initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurship and skill development among SC/ST youth. We have expanded our skill-training programs in partnership with leading vocational institutes and industry bodies so that young people receive training that is directly linked to current job market needs. Along with this, we have introduced entrepreneurship-oriented schemes that provide mentorship, incubation support, and easier access to credit for those who want to start their own ventures.
We are also working closely with various ministries, including MSME and Skill Development, to ensure that SC/ST youth can benefit from existing national schemes without facing procedural hurdles. The aim is very clear — to create an ecosystem where every young person from the SC/ST community feels empowered to upskill, innovate, and become financially independent.
What major reforms or new initiatives has your department undertaken to strengthen SC/ST welfare schemes, especially those affected by past irregularities?
Our department is undertaking wide-ranging reforms to revive and strengthen SC/ST welfare schemes that were affected by earlier mismanagement. Since the department was running in deficit, we are introducing a revival plan and redesigning most schemes in a more transparent and efficient manner. A new alternative scheme is being prepared to replace earlier programs that faced legal issues due to irregularities.
We are also launching an “easy window” system for the first time, in coordination with 14 universities, to ensure smoother access to benefits and quicker resolution of issues. New initiatives include honouring achievers from the SC/ST community, restarting the SC/ST girls’ hostel from the upcoming semester, expanding libraries across Delhi to promote education, and introducing a ₹6,000 monthly pension for family members who care for differently abled persons. These reforms reflect our commitment to inclusive development, dignity, and equal opportunities for all.
Despite rapid urban growth in Delhi, social disparities remain. What measures is your department implementing to ensure welfare benefits effectively reach the most vulnerable communities?
Look, the inequality you are talking about—I don’t really agree with it. When a person participates and engages with society, these things don’t usually happen. Personally, I have never faced such issues. I grew up in this very community, born and raised in a village, did business, completed my education, worked in government, worked outside the government, and now I am in government again. I feel that when a person has good participation and engagement in society, they do not have to face inequality. I believe that in today’s time, people show respect, and such things do not really prevail. And as far as the economically weaker sections of society are concerned, I have personally never felt anything like that
You have been lucky enough not to get through any such inequalities in life, but such inequalities do exist when in an economically weaker section of the society?
Regarding the inequalities, you are talking about, I don’t think anything like that actually prevails when you go and see for yourself. However, it does depend on one’s social, cultural and participatory behaviour. People are living well, and they are respected.
So, if there is equal representation, then why do we still need quotas and reservations? They should be removed, right?
As you are saying, quotas should be abolished. I believe that is not the actual issue — the real issue is that previous governments never made any amendments regarding these matters. There should be constitutional amendments every ten years. Because amendments have not happened, the same old mindset and intentions continue.
I am a minister, and I have never encouraged my children or family members to take benefits of reservations. Our thinking is not like that. Due to the lack of amendments, even people who are completely capable and well-established are misusing it. Actually, if you see, there are five major communities, and except them, almost all other communities now fall under some reservation category.
So, according to me, the question is not whether reservation is right or wrong should it be removed or not, the real issue is that those who do not need it should voluntarily give it up, and those who genuinely need it should receive it. Awareness and responsibility are essential.
How is the government addressing the issue of shelter, healthcare, and food security for Delhi’s homeless and migrant populations?
Because this is the capital city, every day lakhs of people from outside come here to settle. Identifying them is in itself a very big task, and to a great extent, many of them do not even want to be identified. In a way, this can be called an administrative difficulty. The government always has plans, but people themselves are reluctant to get registered.
To address this issue to some extent, Aadhaar card is the solution. We have opened four fixed camps in my constituency where people can come to register themselves and establish their identity, and once this is done, they will be eligible for all government policies and benefits. And not only in my area, our government is opening such fixed centres at many places across Delhi.
There is a debate that welfare schemes are being used as election tools (freebies/promises) rather than delivering structural outcomes.
It is unfair to dismiss welfare initiatives as tools for vote politics, because they are designed to address the genuine needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. These schemes are framed after carefully assessing ground realities and socio-economic challenges, with the clear objective of public welfare rather than political gain. Today, people are well-informed and capable of making independent decisions, and support cannot be reduced to electoral influence alone.
In a democratic system, the government’s responsibility is to create opportunities, ensure access to essential support, and implement policies within a defined and sustainable budget. Citizens, in turn, choose how to benefit from these schemes. All welfare measures introduced by the government are structured, transparent, and financially planned to ensure continuity and long-term impact, focusing on inclusive development rather than short-term incentives.
Many welfare schemes often face challenges in implementation due to bureaucratic delays. What reforms have you introduced to ensure transparency and efficiency?
You have seen it yourself — for the last 27 years, our government was not in power. Under the Congress and AAP regimes, a particular way of functioning had taken root, and people had become accustomed to that system. Now, when we bring a more accountable and transparent model, it naturally takes time for people to adjust.
EWS colonies in areas like Bawana still face poor roads, drainage, water, and electricity. As the elected representative from there, what are your plans to improve infrastructure?
Transparency will be ensured through a one-window system, and of course, improvements will take time. It’s not as if the infrastructure is in terrible condition and we aren’t doing anything. We have introduced a special master plan for Delhi’s drainage system, which will help resolve waterlogging issues wherever they occur. A separate drainage system is also being developed for the Yamuna, and we are improving the sewage system as well.
If I talk about my own area, Bawana, the main sewage problems are in the colonies. But the first priority is to fix the previous system of corruption and arbitrary working styles that existed under the earlier government, because they never expected a new government to come in. Earlier, tenders were issued and work happened on commissions, but now that is not the case. It takes time to improve things, and if you look at our 7–8 months in government, a lot of development has already happened in Bawana. Many roads have been constructed. We have assigned work to everyone, and things are moving forward. There are no issues now regarding electricity, water, or any other basic need.
How do you ensure that welfare benefits aren’t misused or cornered by middlemen?
Preventing misuse of welfare benefits is a priority, and we are addressing it through stricter verification, technology-driven delivery, and constant on-ground oversight. By expanding direct benefit transfers, benefits now go straight into the beneficiary’s bank account, reducing any scope for middlemen. We have strengthened field surveys, digital tracking, and real-time monitoring so only genuine beneficiaries are included. At the same time, people can directly raise complaints through our grievance channels, and action is taken immediately wherever irregularities are found. Most importantly, our continuous engagement with citizens helps us spot issues early and ensure schemes work exactly as intended, with every benefit reaching the person it is meant for.
Given the low utilisation of funds under the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana, will a detailed utilisation report be made public, and how will you ensure better use of funds in future budgets?
As I mentioned earlier, the suspected irregularities in the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojna—where coaching centres submitted claims of over ₹140 crore against a ₹15-crore budget using unverifiable student data—are now under official investigation. To ensure such misuse cannot happen again and to protect students’ interests, we are introducing a parallel scheme. With the necessary amendments and safeguards, the revised programme will be launched within a year.
In your view, what should be Delhi’s biggest welfare focus for the next decade?
As a welfare minister, I believe Delhi’s biggest welfare focus for the next decade should be building a future-ready social security system that ensures no citizen is left behind—whether in education, health, employment, or basic dignity. We are working across all sectors—to make things better. We also have to fill the gaps left by the previous government, and prepare for them as well. For us, this first year is going to be entirely new; this is the first phase of our governance journey. So we are facing double the challenges, and it is also taking time to fully understand everything. And when people elect someone, they naturally expect their representative to think about their problems and resolve them.
In short, Delhi’s welfare agenda must shift from short-term relief to long-term empowerment—creating a city where growth is inclusive and every resident has the tools to rise.
As the minister responsible for elections, what steps are being taken to increase voter participation, especially among first-time voters and marginalised groups?
As the minister in charge of elections, my focus is on ensuring that every eligible citizen, especially first-time voters and marginalized communities, feels informed, included, and encouraged to participate. We are running youth-oriented awareness campaigns, conducting special voter registration drives in underserved areas, and improving polling infrastructure to make voting more accessible for senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities.
By working closely with civil society and community organisations, we are striving to ensure that no voter is left out. Regular public interactions and direct engagement with citizens help build trust and transparency, reinforcing confidence in the electoral process and motivating higher voter participation.
What innovations or technological upgrades are being considered to make Delhi’s election process more efficient and secure?
Look, in Delhi, if Arvind Kejriwal’s party can win 60 out of 70 seats and form the government, then that is considered valid—but if we win 48 seats and come into politics, we are called non-genuine? How is that possible? People of Bihar have risen, people of UP have progressed—talk about them too. And on the other hand, we still haven’t been able to beat Kerala, we don’t have a government in Bengal. These states themselves prove that the allegations on EVMs are false. If we were manipulating EVMs, then why don’t we have governments in these states?
Our focus is to make Delhi’s election process more efficient, transparent, and secure through smart innovation and technology. We are exploring advanced measures like upgraded electronic voting machines with enhanced security features, real-time digital monitoring of polling booths, and better data analytics to identify and resolve discrepancies quickly. Voter registration is being made simpler and more accessible through online portals and mobile platforms, while biometric verification and other modern tools ensure that every vote is genuine.
What is your stance on the growing use of social media in influencing voter behaviour? Do you think regulations are required?
Social media today has become one of the most powerful platforms for communication, and naturally it plays a significant role in shaping voter behaviour. I believe it has both strengths and challenges. On one hand, it allows citizens—especially the youth—to engage directly with leaders, access information instantly, and raise their concerns without any barriers. This is healthy for a vibrant democracy.
But at the same time, we cannot ignore the risks: misinformation, targeted manipulation, fake news, and misuse of personal data. These issues can distort democratic processes and mislead voters. So yes, I strongly believe that responsible and balanced regulations are necessary.
Regulation does not mean controlling people’s voices; it means ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness. Platforms must be held responsible for content that spreads hatred or falsehoods, and political campaigns must follow clear guidelines so that voters receive accurate information.
Our goal should be to protect free speech while preventing misuse. Social media should empower democracy—not weaken it.