India News:Over 14,000 men mistakenly received benefits under Maharashtra's women-centric 'Ladki Behen' scheme. The state government has taken strict action, with plans for recovery of all wrongly received funds.Maharashtra's popular "Ladki Behen" scheme, designed specifically to empower women financially, has come under scrutiny. Over 14,000 men have mistakenly received benefits under the scheme, leading Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to take a tough stance, stating that "every penny that was wrongly received will be recovered."
What is the 'Ladki Behen' Scheme?
The "Ladki Behen" scheme was launched by the Maharashtra government with the goal of promoting financial independence among women. Under this scheme, eligible women receive ₹1,500 per month to support their financial well-being. The primary objective is to enhance the dignity and independence of women within their families.
How Did the Error Occur?
The scheme had an online application process, where data was initially verified based on Aadhaar cards and bank accounts. During this verification, several men managed to get their applications approved, either by submitting false documents or exploiting system errors. According to reports, about 14,342 men received the scheme's funds, raising serious questions about the integrity of the program.
Government's Strict Stance
Reacting to this issue, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stated,"This is a very serious matter. The government’s intent is women’s empowerment, not any form of mishandling. Every rupee taken wrongfully will be recovered." He also mentioned that the government would enforce stricter measures in the application process to prevent such errors in the future. A detailed report has been demanded from the concerned officials.
Political Reactions Begin
Opposition parties have also criticized the government over this issue. Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) and Congress have argued that the problem is not technical but a failure in administration. The opposition pointed out that many deserving women have not received the benefits of the scheme, and it is shameful that men received payments.
Popularity of the Scheme Remains Intact
Despite the controversy, the scheme continues to be popular among women. Thousands of women are still benefiting from the program, and the government has reassured that no eligible beneficiary will lose out on the benefits. The intention to empower women remains intact despite the administrative error.
Future Actions
The state government has begun the process of issuing notices to all the men who wrongly received funds under the scheme. In some cases, police complaints may be filed, especially where there is proof of fraudulent intent. Additionally, the technical team has been instructed to make improvements to the system to prevent such issues in the future. The "Ladki Behen" scheme, an excellent initiative for women’s empowerment in Maharashtra, has been marred by administrative errors and mismanagement. However, the government's strict approach, including the recovery of wrongly distributed funds, is expected to restore its credibility and ensure that rightful beneficiaries are not deprived of their dues.
