Maharashtra’s prominent Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is currently embroiled in controversy, with numerous women alleging that their monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 has been abruptly terminated. This situation coincides with reports suggesting that around 92 lakh beneficiaries might be removed from the initiative, alongside a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighting financial discrepancies amounting to over Rs 3,500 crore. Such developments have reignited concerns regarding one of the Mahayuti government’s principal electoral commitments.

A media report illustrates two contrasting experiences among women living in a similar economic setting. While one woman continues to receive essential monthly assistance, another has encountered issues with her payments despite diligent efforts to resolve the situation.

Contrasting Experiences Within Akola’s Maruti Nagar Slum

In the Maruti Nagar slum, Sangeeta Gedam relies heavily on the Rs 1,500 monthly aid to support her household, where her husband works in a sawmill. She describes the assistance as a crucial element of her family’s financial stability. Despite acknowledging its importance, Sangeeta expressed disappointment over the unfulfilled government promise to increase the monthly payment to Rs 2,100, questioning the lack of follow-up post-elections.

Conversely, Poonam Kauskar, who lives a few streets away and whose husband operates an auto-rickshaw, reports that her payments ceased three months prior. Despite having completed the necessary e-KYC processes, Poonam explained her frustration with the lack of communication regarding the sudden suspension of funds, which previously contributed to her family’s expenses including children’s education.

As Raksha Bandhan approaches, Poonam has publicly called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to reinstate her assistance, underscoring the urgent need for clarity and support for the affected women.

CAG Report Raises Concerns Over Financial Irregularities

The situation has escalated politically following the CAG’s revelations of significant financial irregularities within the scheme’s implementation. The report alleges that the government has overspent by Rs 3,541 crore beyond the approved budget. Additionally, it was noted that Rs 15,586 crore has been placed in Virtual Personal Deposit Accounts without any immediate necessity, raising serious concerns about the management of government finances.

This information has provided the Opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), with a platform to criticise the government. MP Arvind Sawant condemned the removal of beneficiaries, suggesting the scheme was employed as a tool for electoral manipulation. He argued that such actions could lead to diminished voter support for the government.

Government Officials Defend the Scheme’s Implementation

In response to the criticisms, Aditi Tatkare, the Maharashtra Minister for Women and Child Development, refuted claims that large numbers of eligible women were being unjustly removed. She clarified that the ongoing verification process aims to filter out ineligible applicants and ensure genuine beneficiaries continue receiving aid, asserting that a systematic approach to e-KYC compliance is critical.

Tatkare noted that approximately 8 lakh women have yet to complete the e-KYC process, and that the verification has identified several applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria, including those with taxable income or vehicle ownership. She reiterated that the government has received 2.63 crore registrations for the scheme, with the verified eligible population now standing between 1.67 crore and 1.70 crore women.

The minister emphasised that individual complaints from women experiencing issues post-e-KYC are being thoroughly investigated. Nonetheless, those failing to meet various eligibility requirements will not continue to receive benefits, thereby ensuring that the programme remains focused on assisting those most in need.

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