Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday clarified no funds have been diverted from other departments for the government's flagship scheme for women ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ and said those who do not understand budget are making unsubstantiated claims.
Fadnavis explained that giving money through the Social Justice and Tribal Affairs Departments follows proper budget rules.
He further explained that under existing financial rules, funds allocated for SC/ST communities are mandated to be used for personal benefit schemes and infrastructure development. Since the Ladki Bahin Yojana qualifies as a personal benefit scheme, its funding under the SC/ST heads is justified and legally sound.
He stressed that funds designated for SC/ST welfare remain intact and purposefully allocated. Offering to clear any confusion, Fadnavis invited critics to consult him directly, noting his authorship of a book on budgeting as a testament to his expertise.
