Controversy over social justice fund diversion for Ladki & other schemes

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat's statement that funds worth Rs 6,900 crore from his department were diverted for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and the energy department has evoked sharp reactions within political circles.
Targeting state govt, Jitendra Dehade, the Congress general secretary for Maharashtra, said the claims of fund diversion have exposed the Mahayuti politicians on multiple fronts. "First, state govt is doing injustice to the poor who are the beneficiaries of the welfare schemes of the social justice department. These schemes and programmes will remain on paper if they are left fund-starved. Second, there is a clear cold war between Mahayuti partners," he said.
On Friday, Shirsat said Rs 4,000 crore from his department was diverted for the Ladki Bahin scheme, another Rs 1,500 crore for PM Awas Yojana, and Rs 1,400 crore for the energy department. "The funding provisions for the social justice department are mandatory as per the Indian Constitution. It is a legal binding on govt. There should be no cut of fundings," the minister told reporters, adding that he was not consulted before carrying out such cuts.
Rahul Makasare, of Parivartanwadi Movement, said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is against the welfare of the poor and backward classes. "The social justice department has a key role in bringing the backward classes into the mainstream. By clipping the wings of this department, the CM has shown his intention of oppressing the backward classes," he said.
Maharashtra govt, in its annual budget, set aside Rs 36,000 crore for the Ladki Bahin scheme, which is considered one of the influencing factors during the recent assembly elections in the state. Fadnavis could not be reached for his comments.