Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that the government will not recover benefits paid to the 81 lakh women who were found ineligible under the Ladki Bahin Scheme. However, funds will be recovered from around 14,000 men who allegedly received benefits by applying in women's names.
The issue came to light after a verification drive reduced the number of beneficiaries. According to the government, checks revealed 14,000 male beneficiaries, around 5 lakh government employees, nearly 10 lakh income-tax payers, and about 5 lakh women from households owning four-wheelers among those deemed ineligible. Many beneficiaries also failed to complete mandatory e-KYC verification.
Fadnavis said women found ineligible would receive a one-time waiver and would not be asked to return the money already disbursed. However, the government will recover the entire amount from the male beneficiaries, stating that public funds must be used strictly according to rules.
The Chief Minister also indicated that the government is willing to reopen the e-KYC window if necessary to help eligible beneficiaries complete the process and continue receiving assistance.
Meanwhile, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said the figure of 81 lakh ineligible beneficiaries was misleading. She clarified that e-KYC requirements apply to all Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes and that the final number of ineligible beneficiaries will be known only after the verification process is completed.
Opposition leader Jayant Patil criticised the government, alleging that financial pressures on the state could eventually lead to the gradual closure of the scheme.
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