An audit of Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has exposed widespread irregularities, leading to the suspension of benefits for 26.34 lakh beneficiaries. The investigation revealed that over 14,000 men fraudulently registered as female beneficiaries, collectively receiving Rs 21.44 crore intended for women. This misuse came to light ten months after the scheme’s launch. Supriya Sule, representing the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), has demanded a CBI inquiry, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to identify those involved in the scheme’s misuse. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has assured that the funds will be recovered from those who wrongly benefited, with strict action to be taken against non-cooperators. The inquiry also uncovered instances of women already employed in government or private sectors improperly receiving benefits, resulting in their removal from the beneficiary list. Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare confirmed the suspension of benefits for ineligible beneficiaries, including those who had applied fraudulently as men.
