A report detailing alleged irregularities in the implementation of Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has prompted criticism from the opposition Congress party. According to information presented by the Congress, an RTI response indicates that approximately Rs 164.52 crore was disbursed to beneficiaries deemed ineligible under the scheme.
Specifically, the report cited states that 12,431 men and 77,980 women reportedly received Rs 1,500 each for 13 months and 12 months, respectively. This amounts to approximately Rs 24.24 crore disbursed to men and Rs 140.28 crore to women.
Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar asserted that the scheme, launched in June 2024—four months before the Assembly elections—was introduced with the intent to influence voters and suggested it would likely be discontinued after municipal and district council elections. The Congress party further alleged an initial lack of transparency in the scheme, followed by the imposition of arbitrary conditions. Additionally, the party noted that an outlay of Rs 199.81 crore was announced in August 2024 for the scheme's publicity campaign.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/scheme-buy-votes-opposition-targets-maharashtra-govt-irregularities-ladki-bahin-yojana-10322420/