Ajit Pawar Admits Irregularities in Ladki Bahin Scheme, Seeks Review of Arms Licences in Pune
Ajit Pawar Admits Irregularities in Ladki Bahin Scheme, Seeks Review of Arms Licences in Pune
Pune: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday acknowledged lapses in the implementation of the Ladki Bahin scheme, citing time constraints due to the election schedule as a key reason for errors in beneficiary selection.
“When the scheme was introduced, we didn’t have much time for a thorough verification process. Elections followed soon after, and while we had urged that only eligible women apply, it’s possible that some ineligible individuals were enrolled,” Pawar said while addressing the media.
The Ladki Bahin scheme, launched in August 2023 by the Mahayuti government, provides monthly financial aid of ₹1,500 to eligible women aged 21 to 65. However, government employees are not eligible. The state has now initiated recovery of ₹3.58 crore from 2,652 women government employees who received the benefit despite not qualifying.
Separately, in response to the Vaishnavi Hagawane case—where an arms licence was allegedly acquired using forged documents—Pawar said he would seek a detailed report from Pune police on arms licences issued in recent years. According to reports, 659 licences were granted in Pune between 2021 and 2023.
“I will obtain the necessary details from the Pune police. It is the police department’s prerogative to issue and revoke licences. We will assess whether the recipients genuinely needed them,” Pawar said.
