In a startling revelation that has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the implementation of welfare programs, a recent audit by Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department (WCD) has exposed a massive fraud within the state’s flagship welfare initiative—the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
Launched in August 2023, the scheme was designed to provide a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to economically disadvantaged women, aiming to empower them and uplift households where women have long struggled against the twin burdens of poverty and social inequality.
However, the noble intentions of the scheme have been undermined by rampant abuse, with investigations revealing that over 14,000 men have fraudulently enrolled as beneficiaries.
This has not only diverted vital funds away from the intended female recipients but also raised concerns over systemic loopholes in identity verification and data monitoring.
Forged Identities and Fake Enrollments
According to WCD officials, the scam was orchestrated by men who manipulated online application forms, submitted forged documents, and registered themselves as women to gain access to the financial aid.
The digital registration process, meant to streamline and fast-track disbursement, was allegedly exploited with minimal checks in place.
“This scheme is meant only for women. It is appalling that men have misused it so blatantly,” said a senior department official involved in the audit.
The findings have triggered an immediate political response.
Ajit Pawar Vows Stern Action
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed the irregularities and assured strict action against those who had fraudulently claimed benefits.
“This is a betrayal of trust. The Ladki Bahin Yojana was created to uplift poor women, not for men to take advantage of it through deception,” Pawar stated.
He emphasized that the government is initiating steps to recover the funds wrongly disbursed. “Those men who have received benefits under pretenses will have to return the money. If they fail to cooperate, legal action will follow,” he warned.
Government Employees Also Caught Misusing the Scheme
The scam was not limited to men alone. The audit also uncovered cases where female government employees, who were not eligible due to their salaried status, had managed to become beneficiaries.
These names, Pawar said, have been identified and removed, and the process of cleansing the beneficiary database is ongoing.
“We’re reviewing the functioning of the scheme in a phase-wise manner and we will continue to remove all ineligible names—be it men or otherwise,” he added.