Delhi MLAs Receiving iPhone 16 Pro to Go ‘Paperless’—Because Apparently ₹1.5 Lakh Phones Are the Only Way to Read PDFs, Netizens Questions Freebie Culture

Key Points:

In a major digital transformation move to follow the paperless initiative, all 70 members of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, including opposition MLAs, have received brand-new Apple iPhone 16 Pro smartphones, tablets, and iPads for official use. This initiative comes as part of the Delhi Assembly’s implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), under the Centre’s “One Nation, One Application” programme.

The devices were distributed on 4th Aug,2025, marking the beginning of a significant shift towards paperless legislative functioning. For the first time, legislators participated in the Monsoon Session using their new digital devices to access real-time documents, vote digitally, and interact with smart microphones and panels integrated into the Assembly’s digital infrastructure.

According to officials from the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, the newly introduced digital system comes equipped with several advanced features aimed at modernizing legislative proceedings. These include RFID/NFC (Radio Frequency Identification, Near Field Communication)-based access, smart delegate units with built-in microphones and voting panels, and multilingual support to accommodate diverse linguistic needs. Legislators now have instant access to legislative documents through iPads, supported by an automated audio-visual system with HD cameras to enhance transparency and record-keeping. The system also operates within a secure, power-backed networking environment to ensure uninterrupted functioning. To ensure smooth adoption, legislators underwent training in July to familiarize themselves with the new technology.

However, the move to distribute high-end devices sparked political reactions. On July 9, the General Administration Department revised the reimbursement cap for mobile phones: ₹1.5 lakh for the Chief Minister and ₹1.25 lakh for ministers, up from the previous ₹50,000 limit set in 2013. This revision triggered a war of words between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP, with critics questioning the purchase of such expensive gadgets using public funds.

Social media erupts

News of Delhi MLAs receiving iPhone 16 Pros under the NeVA initiative triggered a wave of outrage on social media. Users across platforms condemned the move as a misuse of taxpayers’ money.

Many questioned the government's commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. One user sarcastically asked, “Didn’t Modi recently say we should buy Swadeshi? And yet, they’re distributing US-branded phones?” Another wrote, “We raise import tariffs to promote Make in India. Then hand out imported iPhones to MLAs. Brilliant vision — for the US trade surplus.”

On Reddit, a user mocked, “To play rummy in the Assembly?” — a taunt referencing Maharashtra MLA Manikrao Kokate, who was recently caught allegedly playing rummy during a House session.

Sarcasm poured in: “Nice use of our tax money. People pay 24-month EMIs to buy iPhones, while babus get them for free,” wrote another.

Some took a more practical stance, suggesting accountability: “No issue if they use iPhones — but it should be deducted from their salaries,” one user commented.

While some expressed their anger through humour, others voiced genuine disappointment, highlighting the growing disconnect between public representatives and the people funding their privileges. [Rh/VP]

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