Overview
- An RTI response shows 12,431 men and 77,980 ineligible women were paid under the women-only scheme, totaling at least Rs 164.52 crore, with Rs 24.24 crore disbursed to men over 13 months.
- A government audit estimates roughly Rs 1,640 crore lost in the first year due to ineligible enrolments, including about 7.97 lakh third beneficiaries that accounted for around Rs 1,196 crore.
- Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare says only verified beneficiaries will resume stipends and that action will follow against bogus claimants.
- Opposition leaders Clyde Crasto and Aaditya Thackeray allege the scheme was used to influence voters before the 2024 Assembly polls and demand that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis set up a Special Investigation Team.
- The scheme launched in June 2024 with Rs 1,500 monthly assistance for eligible women, and the government later announced Rs 199.81 crore for its publicity campaign.