Mumbai: In a startling revelation that has sparked outrage and raised questions about the state’s verification system, an RTI inquiry has uncovered large-scale irregularities in Maharashtra’s flagship welfare scheme — the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which is meant exclusively for women.
According to data obtained through a Right to Information query by a leading newspaper, over 12,400 men and nearly 78,000 ineligible women received financial benefits under the scheme. Designed to provide ₹1,500 per month to women aged 21–65 years from families earning below ₹2.5 lakh annually, the programme has reportedly disbursed ₹164.52 crore to ineligible beneficiaries over the past year — including ₹24.24 crore to male recipients and ₹140.28 crore to ineligible women.
Currently, about 2.41 crore women are registered under the scheme, costing the state exchequer around ₹3,700 crore every month.
Government Employees Among Beneficiaries
Adding to the controversy, another RTI reply revealed that nearly 2,400 government employees, including several men, had also availed benefits under the scheme — in clear violation of eligibility norms. The Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, which administers the scheme, acknowledged the anomalies and said that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against those responsible. However, the department confirmed that no recovery or punitive action had yet been taken.
Officials Admit Larger Problem
A senior government official described the discovery as merely “the tip of the iceberg,” warning that the number of ineligible beneficiaries — and the total misused amount — could rise as verification continues. The official cited inadequate data checks, weak scrutiny, and the hurried rollout of the scheme as primary reasons for the lapses.
In response, the government has already suspended payments to 26.34 lakh suspicious accounts between June and July 2025, pending further verification.
Political Backlash and Public Outrage
The revelations have triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties and civic activists, who have accused the government of gross negligence and systemic failure in ensuring due diligence before disbursing public funds. Many are now demanding a comprehensive audit of the scheme and strict accountability of officials involved in the mismanagement.
As the probe deepens, the ₹164-crore irregularity stands as a stark reminder of how weak implementation and lack of oversight can derail even well-intentioned welfare initiatives aimed at empowering women in Maharashtra.
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