Latest news with #ShivBhojanThali
News18
6 days ago
- News18
Maharashtra: Rs 21 Crore Scam In Ladki Bahin Scheme; Over 14,000 Men Found Receiving Benefits
Ladki Bahin Yojana: The scheme, which began disbursing financial aid in August 2024, aims to provide monthly support to eligible women from low-income families. The Ladki Bahin Yojana, a welfare scheme launched exclusively for women in Maharashtra last year, has come under scrutiny of the state government after a major irregularity was uncovered in its allocation of funds. Sources told CNN-News18 that an official review found 14,298 men fraudulently receiving a total of Rs 21.44 crore in benefits under the scheme meant for women over ten months. The scheme, which began disbursing financial aid in August 2024, aims to provide monthly support to eligible women from low-income families. Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, the state government gives Rs 1,500 monthly to women aged 21-65. However, a recent beneficiary audit uncovered that thousands of men had somehow been included in the official list of recipients. According to government data, these male beneficiaries were enrolled under false or misrepresented identities and continued to receive benefits until the discrepancy was flagged during routine scrutiny. Sources told CNN-News18 that authorities in charge of the women-centric scheme are now under scanner over unanswered questions: how men were able to bypass eligibility checks, who approved their applications, and what systemic lapses led to the misallocation of funds. This is not the first time a welfare scheme in the state has faced credibility issues. In the past, irregularities were reported in the implementation of the Sanitary Napkin Subsidy Scheme and the Shiv Bhojan Thali initiative, where either ineligible beneficiaries were listed or funds were misappropriated. The state government is expected to take disciplinary action against those found responsible for the oversight and initiate steps to recover the misused funds. A formal statement from the Women and Child Development Department is awaited. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Chhagan Bhujbal takes charge, gets Food and Civil Supplies portfolio
Three days after being inducted into the Maharashtra cabinet, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday formally took charge of the Food and Civil Supplies Ministry—a portfolio which he has handled previously. While speaking to the media, the 77-year-old OBC leader acknowledged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been keen on his induction into the cabinet as early as December 2024, following the BJP-led Mahayuti's landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also played a key role in facilitating his return to the cabinet. 'It is true that Fadnavis saheb was keen on my induction and now, he has played a major role in my return. PM Modi and Shah also took efforts for my induction,' Bhujbal said. On the issue of welfare schemes, Bhujbal emphasized that the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme — which provides subsidized meals to nearly two lakh people daily — would not be discontinued. 'I have heard discussions about shutting down the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme. I met with the Chief Minister and explained that it provides one meal a day to nearly two lakh people. It helps both the needy and promotes the government's image. The estimated expenditure on the scheme is around Rs 140 to 150 crore. I cited examples from South India where similar initiatives have continued for years. Discontinuing it would not be right,' he said. Bhujbal also clarified that no schemes have been scrapped by the Mahayuti in its second term and said the government is simply adjusting to financial constraints — just as families do during tough times. 'There's no blanket ban on schemes. When a household faces major expenses such as weddings, school fees, or illnesses, adjustments are made. The government has to do the same. Public money funds the state, and we don't suddenly get Rs 40,000 to 50,000 crore more. The 'Ladki Bahin' scheme involved a large outlay, causing strain, but we're working on it. As revenues grow, these issues will be resolved,' he explained. Bhujbal said apart from maintaining the Shiv Bhojan scheme, other schemes will also continue uninterrupted. He mentioned that proposals have been submitted to the central government for support, and steps are being taken to improve scheme targeting. 'Ineligible people often end up availing benefits. We have set up a committee to address misuse and to explore how we can expand benefits for eligible beneficiaries,' he said. Bhujbal's induction on May 20 marked his return to the cabinet after being overlooked during initial ministerial appointments, following the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. He replaced NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, who had resigned in March after being linked to a controversy involving his close associate Walmik Karad, who has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of a sarpanch in Beed .
