'There is a limit to patience': Discord in Maharashtra govt over fund-shift to Ladki Bahin scheme

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Upset with the "diversion of funds" from social justice and tribal development departments to support Maharashtra's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme, which provides Rs 1,500 to eligible women, minister Sanjay Shirsat said, "There is a limit to patience."
Speaking to reporters, Shirsat said he learned through the media that nearly Rs 425 crore was diverted from his department. Earlier, too, close to Rs 7,000 crore was diverted. He expressed his frustration, saying, "If there is no need for the social justice department, or if there is no need to spend money on it, then it might as well be shut down. Why do we need this department?
This department is for dalits and backward sections of society. The existing funds, anyway, fall short for the department. I have been saying that funds from this department cannot be diverted. It is binding on govt to provide funds. I'll raise this matter with the chief minister."
Shirsat added: "Call it injustice, or anything else. I'll raise this issue with the CM as it is not within the legal framework to divert funds of this department. The finance department personnel are working arbitrarily. They show that it is within the legal framework to divert funds, but it is wrong, and I strongly oppose it."
He alleged the finance department officials were acting unilaterally, imposing their decisions, and thinking only their word counts. He said funds allocated to their departments by law cannot arbitrarily be cut or diverted.
Shirsat also pointed out that his department has pending commitments worth Rs 1,500 crore from the previous year, and added he was unaware whether similar fund diversions had occurred in other departments.
State govt has issued a resolution redirecting Rs 410.3 crore from the social justice department and Rs 335.7 crore from the tribal development department to the women and child development department to facilitate the monthly payout of Rs 1,500 to women under the Ladki Bahin scheme, which, it is claimed, benefits around one crore women across the state.
In a separate matter, minister Sanjay Shirsat criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) for skipping the all-party meeting held after the Pahalgam terror attack. He said Sena UBT should learn from Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM chief, who made anti-Pakistan statements. Shirsat noted that even parties like Congress have extended their support to govt in the hour of need.
Also read: Controversy over social justice fund diversion for Ladki & other schemes