Nagpur, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly experienced a contentious debate on Wednesday as members from both the ruling coalition and the opposition clashed over the execution of the prominent Ladki Bahin Yojana. The focus was particularly on claims of corruption and the commitment to raise the monthly financial assistance to Rs 2,100 from Rs 1,500 for qualified recipients.

This intense discussion was ignited by a motion for attention introduced by Shiv Sena-UBT member Sunil Prabhu, who made serious accusations of corruption within the well-known program.

Prabhu claimed that 12,431 men had illicitly registered and collected the Rs 1,500 monthly payment, resulting in an embezzlement of Rs 164 crore in taxpayer money.

Congress member Nana Patole challenged the government's accountability, asserting that ASHA workers, Anganwadi Sevika, and Gram Sevaks were pressured to enroll beneficiaries, which led to the submission of false applications. He stressed that the government must be held responsible for the mismanagement of public finances.

Responding to the allegations, Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare outlined the government's remedial actions. She announced that the verification process for 2.63 crore beneficiaries commenced with the issuance of the initial Government Resolution (GR) for the scheme.

Tatkare addressed criticisms from NCP-SP legislator Jayant Patil regarding the implementation of e-KYC and the addition of 13 new criteria, explaining that KYC was essential as many women did not have bank accounts and had submitted the banking details of a male family member.

The Minister assured the assembly that accounts linked to male beneficiaries would be scrutinized, and strict measures would be taken, including recovery actions if it was confirmed that men were profiting from the women's initiative.

A dramatic exchange unfolded between Minister Shambhuraj Desai (Shiv Sena) and MLA Jayant Patil (NCP-SP) concerning the scheme's political ramifications for the Chief Minister's role.

Patil mocked that the Chief Minister who launched the scheme (referring to Eknath Shinde) had shifted from 'Number 1' to 'Number 2' in the political pecking order. Desai retorted with references to past statements where Mahayuti leaders have shifted roles, implying that Shinde would not permanently remain at 'Number 2'.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who initiated the scheme in his capacity as Chief Minister ahead of the upcoming 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, staunchly defended the Ladki Bahin Yojana and criticized the opposition. He emphatically stated that the scheme would not be shut down, countering persistent rumors propagated by the opposition.

Shinde condemned the opposition for contesting the scheme even in court and asserted that women's electoral support was crucial for the Mahayuti's electoral success. In response to Nana Patole's demand for the promised increase to Rs 2,100, Shinde assured the assembly, "We will provide the benefit of Rs 2,100 to the 'Ladki Bahins' at the appropriate moment."

The heated discussion culminated with the ruling party firmly asserting its commitment to the scheme while vowing to address the financial discrepancies raised by the opposition.