Maharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare assures Jalgaon visit to review women, child development-related issues

The minister dismissed political backlash surrounding key state welfare initiatives, assuring that the administration will continuously work to maximise benefits for female citizens.

Talking to the reporters, Maharashtra Minister Aditi Sunil Tatkare confirmed plans to head a dedicated review mission in Jalgaon to check on the welfare framework.

"... In the coming days, I will definitely visit Jalgaon for my Women and Child Development Department. I'll try to address any department-related issues and developments here in my next visit...," she said.

Emphasising the government's steadfast resolve under top leadership, Tatkare further defended the financial assistance initiative against recent political attacks.

She said, "Ever since 'Dada' announced this (Ladki Behna) scheme in the budget, the opposition has been criticising it. However, our efforts to run this scheme as successfully as possible will continue. Under the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, we will always strive to provide these benefits to as many women as possible."

On the other hand, earlier in July, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant alleged that the names of lakhs of women were "removed" from Maharashtra's 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' and called it a "gross violation of the Constitution."

Speaking to the reporters, Sawant said lakhs of women supported the ruling alliance during the Assembly elections.

"The names of lakhs of women were cancelled from the scheme. These were the ones who got swayed by this inducement and voted the current government into power, and it wasn't just the women who voted; their families did too. Now, what is the government going to do? They have cancelled the names. We are the ones facing the consequences. It is public money," he said.

Sawant further alleged that the action violated constitutional principles.

He also alleged that the State is reeling under an economic crisis and accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of creating a dire situation for the State.

"This is a gross violation of the Constitution, and that is why I want to raise serious questions regarding this government's actions. Although the Assembly session has concluded, the CAG report highlights numerous issues. The debt burden is staggering; it is set to exceed 100 per cent of the state's revenue. That is the dire situation they have created for our state government," he added.

The scheme, launched by the Women and Child Development Department and the Government of Maharashtra, aims to provide financial support to eligible women across the state.

Under the scheme, women from the age group 21 to 65 are given a financial benefit of Rs 1,500 through direct benefit transfer for improving their health and nutrition and strengthening their decisive role in the family. (ANI)