Outrage Erupts in Jharkhand Over Recovery Notices Issued to Maiya Samman Yojana Beneficiaries
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Ranchi, Dec 13 (NationPress) The government of Jharkhand has commenced a new screening initiative for recipients of the Maiya Samman Yojana, introduced by the administration led by Hemant Soren, a scheme that was praised as a "game changer" in the recent Assembly elections.
Under the guidance of the Social Security Department, measures are being implemented to pinpoint beneficiaries who are ineligible and to reclaim funds disbursed to them through the program. This action has faced strong condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi, acting on government orders, has sent out notifications to Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Circle Officers (COs), instructing them to validate the eligibility of beneficiaries in both urban and rural sectors by December 28. The letter stated, “If any beneficiaries are discovered to be ineligible, their names must be deleted, and recovery of disbursed funds should commence.”
This initiative has raised alarms among female beneficiaries. Prior to the elections, a significant campaign was conducted to encourage women aged 18 to 50 to apply for the scheme.
From August to November, around 55 lakh women received Rs 1,000 each deposited into their bank accounts.
Recently, the government announced an increase in the monthly stipend to Rs 2,500 for beneficiaries starting this December, with payments expected soon.
Nevertheless, the verification and screening effort has incited political controversy. BJP State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi has vehemently criticized the move to reclaim funds from beneficiaries, raising this concern during Assembly discussions on Thursday.
On social media, Marandi accused the government of reneging on its pre-election commitments. He stated, “The Hemant Soren government, which distributed funds from the Maiya Samman Yojana like free Revdi before the elections, is now attempting to recover these amounts from women beneficiaries. Departments are being ordered to reduce the number of beneficiaries under the pretense of verification.”
Marandi further lambasted the introduction of extra eligibility conditions post-elections, declaring, “Rather than penalizing officials who disbursed funds without adequate verification, the government is targeting women beneficiaries. The BJP will stand against any recovery process that negatively impacts women.”
