To identify the beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Maharashtra government decided to the make revision of 2.63 crore list, except those persons who are availing other schemes, reported The New Indian Express.
launched in August last year by the Eknath Shinde led government gives ₹ 1,500 to eligible women as monthly allowance with the assurance of ₹ 2,100 were they are voted back into power. Experts attributed the scheme for enabling the Mahayuti alliance to triumph in the recent election.
Due to overlaps with other program like Namo Shetkari and direct benefit schemes the Women and Child Development and Welfare Department on behalf of the state estimates primary school enrollment of 20 lakh beneficiaries may be left out. Minister Aditi Tatkare said during the launch of the programme, ‘If a woman gets less under another scheme, this shall be made up’.” If she receives more she will be expelled from the list. This helps to ensure that only the deserving receive the help they receive.”
Further, all those receiving above ₹25000 per month or ₹3,00,000 per annum as family income will not be considered for the scheme. The government wants to stop abuse of the scheme and guarantee that the funds would go to desperate people only. ‘We are patching gaps to ensure the sanctity of the scheme,’ one of the officials said.
The plan has been blamed, the scheme is political, according to the opposition. Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole said the government had launched the scheme just to seek votes, adding, “Earlier, Shinde said that the scheme would be implemented for all the women without any conditions, but now they’re going after only the poor ones.”
The review is also inline with the governments desire to begin to increase the stringencies of regulations while at the same not compromise on fairness or feasibility in a bid to contain expenses. In response to criticism, the administration insists that it is appropriate to direct taxpayers’ money only to real beneficiaries.
