Over 2200 Maharashtra Government Employees Found to be Beneficiaries of the Ladli Bahin Yojana. Minister Aditi Tatkare Reveals Findings; Investigation Ongoing.
Maharashtra: The ambitious Ladli Bahin Yojana (Ladli Sister Scheme) of the Maharashtra government is once again embroiled in controversy. Recently, Minister for Women and Child Development, Aditi Tatkare, made a significant revelation, stating that over 2200 government employees have been found to be beneficiaries of the scheme. This information, shared on social media, has raised questions about the government's and administration's operational efficiency.
Investigation Uncovers Fraud
Minister Aditi Tatkare explained that the government investigated approximately 200,000 applications. This investigation revealed that numerous government employees, ineligible for the scheme, had availed its benefits. A total of 2,289 such government employees were found on the beneficiary list. Aditi Tatkare clarified that these beneficiaries will not receive the scheme's benefits and their names have been removed from the list.
Benefits Only for Eligible Beneficiaries
The Minister stated that the government is committed to ensuring that only eligible women receive the benefits of the Ladli Bahin Yojana. The application verification process will continue regularly. This will be a routine procedure to detect such irregularities in a timely manner.
What is the Ladli Bahin Yojana?
The Ladli Bahin Yojana was launched in August 2024, coinciding with the preparations for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Under this scheme, eligible women aged 21 to 65 receive a monthly assistance of ₹1500. The scheme aimed to empower women economically. However, government employees should not be eligible for this scheme, as they already receive salaries and other government benefits.
Scheme's Significant Impact on Elections
The Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra launched the Ladli Bahin Yojana before the Assembly elections. Political analysts believe this scheme benefited the ruling coalition in the elections. However, it's also acknowledged that the scheme has put a significant strain on the state's treasury.
