Maharashtra Targets Fraud in Ladki Bahin Yojana, Initiates Recovery

The government of Maharashtra has embarked on a rigorous campaign to address fraud within the Ladki Bahin Yojana. On December 9, 2023, Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare revealed that thousands of individuals, including government employees, unlawfully benefited from this welfare program. This crackdown has led to widespread recovery actions and disciplinary measures across various departments.

The Ladki Bahin Yojana, designed to provide a monthly direct benefit transfer (DBT) of Rs 1,500 to eligible women, has recently come under scrutiny due to extensive misuse. Investigations indicated that approximately 26.85 lakh women were either ineligible or had falsely claimed benefits, resulting in an undue payout of Rs 1,189 crore. Furthermore, 10,956 government employees were found to have illegally accessed funds from the scheme, receiving a total of Rs 18.57 crore.

Recovery Efforts and Disciplinary Actions

In response to these findings, the Maharashtra government has initiated formal recovery proceedings against both ineligible beneficiaries and officials whose negligence allowed such fraudulent activities to occur. Those deemed responsible will face penalties under the Maharashtra Civil Services Rules. Minister Tatkare emphasized that individuals who voluntarily opted out of the scheme or became ineligible due to changed circumstances will not be required to return any assistance previously received.

The government has also revised the terms of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, enhancing its monitoring mechanisms and increasing the DBT amount from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. These changes aim to prevent future misuse and ensure that the program effectively supports its intended beneficiaries.

Political Implications and Assembly Reactions

The controversy surrounding the Ladki Bahin Yojana has spilled into the political arena, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issuing a stern warning to legislators. During a recent Assembly session, Fadnavis cautioned members, including those from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), against referencing the scheme during discussions on unrelated topics. His comments followed instances where BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar invoked the scheme in a complaint regarding illegal liquor distribution, and Congress MLA Jyoti Gaikwad mentioned it during a debate about a doctor’s death in Phaltan.

Fadnavis defended the Ladki Bahin Yojana as a flagship welfare initiative, asserting that it should remain free from political rhetoric. “This scheme will continue. It does not take away resources from any other program. But unnecessary remarks must stop,” he stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity and purpose of the initiative.

The government’s commitment to rectify the misuse of the Ladki Bahin Yojana reflects a broader effort to uphold accountability and ensure that welfare programs reach those who truly need them. As recovery measures unfold, the focus remains on restoring public trust in the administration of these vital services.