MP Supriya Sule Alleges ₹4,800 Crore Scam In ‘Ladki Bahin’ Scheme, Demands Probe
MP Supriya Sule Alleges ₹4,800 Crore Scam In ‘Ladki Bahin’ Scheme, Demands Probe
Sharad Pawar faction MP Supriya Sule has levelled serious allegations against the Maharashtra government, claiming a ₹4,800 crore scam in the much-publicised ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme. Intended to empower working women with direct financial aid, the scheme is now under scrutiny after claims that large sums were mistakenly credited to men’s bank accounts. Sule has demanded a thorough investigation and called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
She criticised the state government for failing to detect these discrepancies during the application process. “Farmers, students and patients face mass rejections in key welfare schemes like crop insurance, scholarships, and Ayushman Bharat,” Sule said, “but no questions were raised when men were reportedly enrolled under a women-only scheme.” She accused the government of draining funds from education, health, and women-centric programs to finance the scheme ahead of elections.
Highlighting technical flaws, Sule pointed to a faulty software system used for processing applications, demanding clarity on who entered the data and how such major lapses occurred. She warned that if the government fails to address these concerns, she will escalate the matter in Parliament.
While distancing her comments from any personal criticism of Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare, Sule emphasised that the cabinet must be held accountable. She noted that even ministers have admitted to funding constraints in other sectors as a result of the Ladki Bahin rollout.
Sule concluded by calling for a transparent audit and accountability, stating that what was meant to benefit women may have already become a vehicle for early-stage corruption.
