Supriya Sule Alleges Rs 4,800 Crore Fraud In Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Scheme
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule has accused the Maharashtra government of a Rs 4,800 crore fraud in its flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin welfare scheme and demanded a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Reports suggest over 14,000 male beneficiaries wrongly availed benefits from a scheme intended solely for economically weaker women, Ms Sule told reporters in New Delhi on Tuesday, questioning how verification failures went unnoticed despite Aadhaar and bank details being mandatory to apply for the scheme.
"An SIT probe must be initiated," she demanded, calling on the state government to produce a white paper, conduct a full audit, and ensure a transparent investigation of the alleged scam.
Ms Sule said the scheme reportedly enrolled 2.38 crore women, of which 26 lakh (about 10%) were declared ineligible after the state Assembly elections. Yet, male applicants were not filtered out during this initial processing. "How did money meant for sisters land in men's accounts?" she asked, rejecting any laxity in the digital system used for registrations.
She also drew contrasts with other welfare processes, stating, "Student forms were rejected for a few low marks, multiple checks are in place. Then how did this system fail in the Ladki Bahin scheme?"
Ms Sule also accused the state government of failing to uphold even the sanctity of familial bonds, claiming that the sister-brother relationship was betrayed in the flawed execution of the scheme.
She also made clear that she would not single out Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare or any specific minister, but insisted that those accountable for implementing the scheme, including the Cabinet and Deputy Chief Minister, take responsibility for the alleged scandal.
"If the government fails to respond adequately, I will raise the issue in Parliament and press the centre to demand an inquiry," she said.
The issue has given a political momentum to the Opposition in the state. With allegations from leaders like Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut, pressure is building for greater accountability from the ruling Mahayuti coalition.
The state government has already suspended benefits for around 26.34 lakh allegedly ineligible beneficiaries, including men and government employees, after cross-checks revealed misuse. Funds will be recovered from any male beneficiaries found to have unlawfully benefited, the government has said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
12 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Excluded by address: migrant women, transgender persons decry DTC's Saheli Cards
NEW DELHI At a buzzing bus stand outside a shopping mall in Malviya Nagar, Rakhi Yadav glances intermittently at her wristwatch, waiting for a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus. For the 22-year-old sales assistant with a beauty brand, this hour-long daily commute is more than just a routine – it is a lifeline that once helped her save thousands in monthly transport costs. However, that changed with the recent announcement of the Delhi government's Saheli Smart Card scheme, which limits free DTC bus travel only to women and transgender persons who can prove Delhi residency. For Ms. Yadav, who works in south Delhi but lives just across the border in Noida, the decision has caused a significant dent in her disposable income. 'I never used DTC buses for comfort. I took them for the hour-long commute because they helped me save at least ₹3,000 a month,' she said. Paper walls The Saheli Smart Card replaces the pink ticket system, introduced during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government, where all women, regardless of their address, could travel for free. The cards, bearing the beneficiary's name and photo, must be applied for online via the DTC website. They will be delivered by post after full KYC verification at the selected bank branch, which involves submitting documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport photos, and address proof. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, during her Budget Day address in March, criticised the earlier practice of issuing pink paper tickets to women, alleging that it was a major source of corruption. A senior DTC official, speaking to The Hindu, defended the move, citing financial strain and a need to streamline the scheme. 'The decision to restrict the Saheli Cards to Delhi residents was taken to plug revenue losses. We had to ensure that the benefits are only extended to those who are part of Delhi's formal address system,' he said. Access limited Yet for many daily commuters, women and transgender persons alike, the new rules feel like a step backward, turning a welfare scheme meant to empower into one that excludes. 'Since 2023, we have been waiting for the Mohalla Buses to be launched. Now they have come, but we're told we need a Delhi Aadhaar card. What about migrant workers like us who help keep this city running?' says Lata while waiting for an e-rickshaw at a bus stop in Neb Sarai to get to her job in Saket. The 36-year-old sanitation worker from Banda district in Uttar Pradesh has been living and working in Delhi for years, but lacks a Delhi-based Aadhaar card. Ms. Lata was among the many women who protested in September 2023 for the implementation of the Mohalla Bus scheme (now called DEVi buses). She now spends ₹20 one way on e-rickshaws and walks back home to save money, hoping to trim her commuting expenses to ₹600 monthly. Rajji, a 29-year-old transgender social worker, had followed closely the court case filed by Amit Juyal against the Delhi Transport Department in 2023, which had led to transgender persons being included in the free bus travel scheme. 'I was very glad when the Delhi government decided that transgender persons would also get pink tickets. But now, insisting on residency proof limits access for so many from the community,' said the social worker. 'It was a huge win when we got pink tickets too. But now, insisting on residency proof limits access for so many of us who don't have permanent homes or documents.'
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
SP functionary booked for teaching ‘A for Akhilesh' in ‘PDA pathshala'
Lucknow: A case was registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) functionary Farhad Alam for allegedly operating an illegal 'PDA Pathshala' (school) in Saharanpur and teaching children political slogans in place of standard educational content. The FIR, filed at Dehat Kotwali police station, came after a complaint was lodged by a local youth, Maan Singh. According to the complaint, children at the school were being taught "A for Akhilesh", "D for Dimple Yadav" and "M for Mulayam Singh Yadav". These references to SP leaders sparked public outrage and hurt sentiments, leading to accusations of politicising education. The controversy erupted just days after the Yogi Adityanath govt faced criticism over proposed school mergers, which were later rolled back. Seizing the opportunity, Farhad Gada claimed he was educating children who were at home due to school closures. However, investigation revealed that the children seen in the viral video were brought in from a private school and were never affected by any school shutdowns. Gada transformed his residence in Ramnagar village into the so-called 'PDA Pathshala' and released a video showing uniformed children reciting politically charged alphabets. He defended his actions, saying, "Just as convent schools have their own curriculum, our PDA Pathshala introduces children to socialist ideology. We teach A for Akhilesh, D for Dimple, B for Babasaheb, and M for Mulayam." He further claimed he intended to take the model across Saharanpur district, targeting villages with reportedly shut govt schools. However, before he could expand his initiative, an FIR was filed against him. Saharanpur SP City Vyom Bindal said, "Based on the complaint received, we have booked the accused for running an illegal school and teaching inappropriate material to children. The matter is under investigation, and appropriate action will be taken following due legal process." Farhad has been booked under BNS section 353 (2) (promote enmity, hatred, or ill will between different groups) and under ST/SC Act. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
BJP minister Meghana Bordikar threatens gram sevak at public event in Parbhani, claims he sought bribes from PMAY beneficiaries
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A video of Meghana Bordikar, the BJP minister of state for public health, threatening a gram sevak at a public function in Bori, of Parbhani's Jintur taluka, has gone viral. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar posted the video on his social media handles, criticising Bordikar as well as chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for his choice of "arrogant" ministers in state govt. He accused Bordikar of threatening a gram sevak for allegedly not bringing an adequate number of PMAY beneficiaries to the event. Bordikar, however, said the gram sevak was demanding bribes from widows and workers among other PMAY beneficiaries, and, therefore, she reprimanded him in the public interest. In the video, Bordikar can be heard saying: "If you work in this manner, remember these are Meghana Bordikar's words... I'll slap you. Who pays for your salary? You'll be dismissed immediately." She adds, "Don't try to be anyone's flatterer. Do you think I don't know how you function? If you want to work like this, quit this job." In a sarcastic post, Rohit Pawar questioned chief minister Fadnavis about the virtuous ministers he has chosen in his govt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo "Not only is your cabinet's reputation at stake, but more than that, it's Maharashtra's honour that is being maligned, and that's the bigger concern," he said. Bordikar later told reporters that a clipped portion of her video was posted by Pawar on social media. "What I said before and after the incident have not been brought before the public," she said. Bordikar, a two-time BJP MLA from Jintur, is also the guardian minister of Parbhani district. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
