Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has categorically stated that the state government will not scrap the Ladki Bahin scheme, ensuring continued benefits for 1.7 crore eligible women. However, he issued a strict warning that male applicants who wrongfully availed the scheme must return the money.
Details of the Announcement
Speaking to the media, Fadnavis revealed that among the 10 lakh beneficiary accounts that failed to complete the mandatory e-KYC process or were found to have irregularities, approximately 14,000 belonged to male applicants. The scheme, which provides financial assistance to women, has been a flagship welfare program of the Maharashtra government.
Action Against Irregularities
The Deputy CM emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that only genuine beneficiaries receive the benefits. He stated, “We will not tolerate any misuse of the scheme. Men who have fraudulently enrolled will have to return the money they received.” The government has initiated a thorough verification process to identify and rectify such discrepancies.
Continuation of Benefits
Fadnavis reassured that eligible women need not worry about the scheme being scrapped. “The Ladki Bahin scheme is here to stay. It is our government’s promise to empower women across Maharashtra,” he added. The scheme has been widely praised for its positive impact on women’s financial independence and social status.
Background of the Scheme
The Ladki Bahin scheme was launched to provide direct cash transfers to women from economically weaker sections. The initiative aims to reduce gender inequality and support women in meeting their basic needs. Beneficiaries are required to complete e-KYC to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
Government’s Next Steps
The state government will issue notices to the 14,000 male beneficiaries, demanding repayment of the funds they received. Additionally, a helpline and grievance redressal mechanism will be set up to address any concerns from genuine beneficiaries who might have faced technical issues during the e-KYC process.
Fadnavis concluded by urging all citizens to cooperate with the verification drive and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to social welfare. “Our aim is to serve the people, and we will not let a few dishonest individuals undermine the scheme’s objectives,” he said.
