Former Maharashtra minister Aditi Tatkare has dismissed reports about the Mahayuti government's purported plan to re-scrutinise applications of beneficiary women under the flagship 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana'.
“It is not feasible to scrutinise 2.5 crore women. These women have been availing the benefits for the past five months. If any complaints arise in the future, the government will make a decision at that time. There were no complaints of irregularities in the scheme during my tenure. If anyone is found guilty, the government and the concerned department will take appropriate action.” said Tatkare.
“It was promised that the amount under the scheme would be increased to Rs 2,100 if the government returns to power. The Mahayuti government is now back in power.”
The Ladki Bahin Yojana has benefitted over 2.4 crore women. Beneficiaries include those with an annual income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh and holders of yellow or orange ration cards. Women with an income of less than Rs1 lakh have already received the benefits. It was clarified that those owning four-wheelers and households with more than two women will not be eligible for the scheme.
However, Congress leader Nana Patole has criticised the government over the promise. He remarked, “BJP alliance leaders claim they returned to power because of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, but now that the elections are over, they no longer seem to need these women. The topic of Ladki Bahin is over now. Within two days of the government’s oath-taking, a ‘beloved brother’ received Rs1,000 crore worth of assets back. This is just the beginning – watch out for next! The BJP-led alliance government in Maharashtra is working for these ‘beloved brothers,’ not the public.”
Speaking to the media in the Vidhan Bhavan premises, Patole said, “The BJP alliance has secured a brute majority, and their arrogance is now evident.”
