Supriya Sule Alleges ₹4,800-Crore Scam in Ladki Bahin Yojana

Quick Summary

• Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) MP Supriya Sule accused the Maharashtra government of a ₹4,800-crore scam in the Mukhyamantri Maajhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and called for a Special Examination Team (SIT) probe.
• The allegations follow the government’s suspension of ₹1,500 monthly aid to 26.34 lakh beneficiaries after a verification drive revealed thousands of ineligible individuals, including 14,000 men.
• Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare stated that District collectors would verify eligibility for suspended beneficiaries.
• Sule questioned how ineligible individuals were included in direct cash transfers under the scheme.
• She held Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and ajit Pawar accountable but refrained from blaming Tatkare,stating the decision had been approved unanimously by the Cabinet.
• The Ladki Bahin scheme was launched ahead of Maharashtra’s Assembly election in August 2024 and contributed to BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s electoral victory. Beneficiary scrutiny began post-election.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the allegations against possible irregularities in Maharashtra’s flagship welfare scheme underscore systemic challenges in verifying beneficiaries within large-scale direct benefit transfer programs. If true, these lapses indicate gaps not only at administrative levels but also within technological frameworks intended for data validation. While MP Supriya Sule’s demand for an SIT probe reflects democratic mechanisms holding governance accountable, such investigations must ensure openness without political motivation.

The temporary suspension risks impacting legitimate beneficiaries who rely on such schemes as social safety nets; though, thorough audits are critical to curbing misuse that erodes public trust. As this issue unfolds further into political debates or investigations, its handling may set legal precedents regarding accountability standards for welfare program management across states.

Read More: Full article Link