Pawar defends scrutiny of Ladki Bahin scheme beneficiaries
Ajit Pawar
on Thursday justified the scrutiny of Ladki Bahin scheme beneficiaries, saying some recipients, including men, were found to own even four-wheelers.
"We do not intend to disappoint women beneficiaries. But, the scheme needs to be implemented as per rules and regulations. It is meant for genuine beneficiaries whose annual income is less than Rs 2.5 lakh. We are continuously running the scheme despite doubts and criticism from opposition," Pawar told media persons during his tour of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
When asked about the 'vote chori' agitation by Congress, Pawar said opposition blamed EVMs too after facing poll defeat.
"We also lost 31 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra during the last election. Did we blame EVM or level charges against anybody?" he asked.
Referring to technical issues encountered in the new water supply scheme for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pawar said the chief minister was expected to hold a joint meeting to find solutions to the issues. Earlier, in his address during the inauguration of the office of Ganesh Mahasangh, an apex body of local Ganesh Mandals, Pawar told local public representatives to ensure proper planning for development works before seeking funds.
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Former state working president of AIMIM Gaffar Quadri joined NCP during Pawar's visit on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, Pawar said Waqf lands in the state should remain with the Muslim community. "The land that has been associated with Waqf for years should go to the minority community. There are no two thoughts on this. Some outsiders at times try to obtain such lands, which is wrong. There is a need for framing a good law for this and taking certain decisions," he added.
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