Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme under scrutiny due to beneficiary cuts and CAG findings
Maharashtra's Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, providing ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women, is under scrutiny following a significant reduction in beneficiaries from 2.43 crore to 1.66 crore after verification rounds. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) also flagged 'significant deficiencies' in the scheme's implementation, including unjustified excess expenditure of ₹3,541.16 crore and reappropriation of funds from other schemes like Lek Ladki Yojana. The CAG criticized the scheme for undermining budgetary discipline and financial propriety. The Opposition has accused the government of using the scheme for electoral gains and demanded restoration of benefits and an inquiry.
Key Points
- The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana provides ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women in Maharashtra.
- The number of beneficiaries has significantly dropped from 2.43 crore to 1.66 crore after verification, attributed to e-KYC issues.
- The CAG reported 'significant deficiencies' in the scheme, including ₹3,541.16 crore in excess expenditure.
- Funds were reappropriated from other schemes, like Lek Ladki Yojana, to finance the Ladki Bahin scheme.
- The Opposition criticizes the government for using the scheme for electoral gains and demands restoration of benefits.
Exam Facts
- Scheme name: Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Maharashtra.
- Monthly assistance: ₹1,500.
- Peak beneficiaries: 2.43 crore; current: 1.66 crore.
- CAG reported excess expenditure of ₹3,541.16 crore against an allocation of ₹29,693.09 crore.
- Funds were reappropriated from Lek Ladki Yojana (₹3,490.75 crore).
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