Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah allegedly made a controversial statement during an official meeting in Ratlam, saying that the verification of women beneficiaries of the ‘Laadli Behna Yojana’ who fail to attend the Chief Minister’s felicitation programme would be kept on hold.
Shah, who is the in-charge minister of Ratlam district, had made the remark during a meeting of the district development advisory committee on Saturday.
After his statement triggered controversy, Shah clarified on Sunday that he only intended to ensure proper verification of ineligible women under the scheme. He maintained that his directives were aimed at ensuring that only eligible women would get the benefits, while the ineligible ones would be removed.
On Saturday, Shah had said in the meeting that the state government is spending crores on the ‘Laadli Behna’ beneficiaries, and they must reciprocate and thank the government by attending a felicitation programme of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav in Ratlam. Shah himself gave the suggestion to hold the event for the CM.
He pointed out that the state government has now increased the monthly benefit of Rs 1,250 by Rs 250, bringing it to Rs 1,500 each.
He added that the Aadhaar cards of the beneficiaries should be linked and verified. He went on to say that if the Laadli sisters do not come to thank their brother (CM), then their verification would be kept pending.
“Then all of them will come,” Shah had said in the meeting on Saturday.
On Sunday, he said that the state government is continuously working for women’s empowerment so that the sisters become self-reliant. “There is no question of any ill intent towards them,” Shah clarified.
“I had received information that some ineligible women were also availing benefits under the Laadli Behna Scheme, which has caused resentment among people. I told officials that only eligible women should receive benefits under the scheme, and ineligible beneficiaries should be weeded out,” the minister maintained.
More than 1.26 crore women are being paid Rs 1,500 per month under the Laadli Behna Yojana.