Maharashtra Government Confirms Continuation of Ladki Bahin Yojana, Says Minister Uday Samant
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra government will not discontinue the Ladki Bahin Yojana, according to Minister Uday Samant. Verification of beneficiaries will continue, with a recent count of five lakh ineligible beneficiaries removed due to various factors. The scheme remains operational despite opposition concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government will continue Ladki Bahin Yojana.
- Verification process for beneficiaries ongoing.
- Approximately five lakh beneficiaries deemed ineligible.
- Scheme provides monthly aid to 2.46 crore women.
- Opposition criticizes verification process.
Mumbai, Feb 7 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has confirmed that it will not terminate the implementation of the prominent Ladki Bahin Yojana, although it emphasized that the verification of beneficiaries will persist.
Industry and Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant disclosed that approximately five lakh beneficiaries have been removed in the past month due to ineligibility factors such as age, vehicle ownership, and excessive income.
Nonetheless, he assured that the scheme will remain operational.
Samant stated: "Women aged over 65 years or those owning a four-wheeler are ineligible for this scheme. Additionally, women mistakenly included in this scheme have been removed, leading to a reduction in the number of beneficiaries. There is no plan to discontinue the Ladki Bahin Yojana."
Women with an annual family income exceeding Rs 2.50 lakh are also disqualified.
Samant's remarks followed a day after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced at a Shiv Sena rally in Nanded that both the MukhyaMantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (beloved sister) and Mukyamantri Majha Ladka Bhau Yojana (beloved brother) will proceed.
Launched last year ahead of the Assembly elections, the Ladki Bahin Yojana provides monthly support of Rs 1,500 to around 2.46 crore eligible women beneficiaries from July to January. In contrast, the Ladka Bhau Yojana offers Rs 6,000 to those who completed Class 12, Rs 8,000 for individuals with an ITI or diploma, and Rs 12,000 monthly for graduates.
Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare recently stated that the state government intends to address complaints about fraudulent beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana and has requested data from the Income Tax Department and Transport Department for verification.
She clarified that only complaints concerning fraudulent beneficiaries will be investigated. The verification process was initiated due to complaints about potential fraudulent beneficiaries within the scheme. She added that around 4,500 women have opted to withdraw from the scheme in light of these issues.
However, opposition parties have criticized the government regarding the ongoing verification process, suggesting that it may lead to the discontinuation of the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
