A major irregularity has surfaced in the Maharashtra government's ambitious 'Ladki Behni' scheme. This scheme was launched to provide financial assistance to women, but now names of men are also appearing in the list of beneficiaries. According to reports, approximately 14,000 men have availed the benefits of this scheme, causing a stir among the government and administration.
Responding to this matter, Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare clarified that in some cases, women may have provided their husbands' bank account details instead of their own, as they did not possess individual accounts. However, she also made it clear that a detailed investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against those found violating the rules.
14,000 Men Under Scrutiny
According to Minister Aditi Tatkare, this scheme was launched on June 28, 2023, and the last date for application was October 15. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether some men applied themselves or if their bank accounts were used during this period.
The government has received over 2.6 million applications so far, out of which 14,000 applications were found to be from men. The minister stated that in one instance, an individual had linked 30 to 35 fake accounts to the scheme. As soon as this came to light, the concerned bank accounts were immediately sealed.
The minister also stated that all applications are being thoroughly investigated at the ground level to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach only eligible women.
Female Employees Also Took Double Benefit
The irregularities in the 'Ladki Behni' scheme did not stop there. Now, allegations have also surfaced that approximately 9,500 female government employees are also benefiting from this scheme, even though they are already receiving salaries from the government. The aim of the scheme was to help economically weaker women, but these employees have also taken the assistance amount of ₹1,500 per month, which is against the rules.
The government is now investigating these cases as well. Officials are working to identify such ineligible beneficiaries and remove them from the scheme, and action will be taken against them as per the rules.
Government Clarifies
Minister Aditi Tatkare clarified that the government's intention is not to do injustice to any eligible beneficiary. She said that the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers will take the final decision on this. The government's priority is to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the women for whom it was created.
She also informed that the registration data includes data from various departments such as food, transport, and rural development, which are part of the investigation. Therefore, no one will be held guilty until the complete investigation is done.
