Mumbai, June 2 -- The Maharashtra government has addressed concerns regarding the exclusion of nearly 8 million women from the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, clarifying that the removals were based on strict adherence to eligibility criteria and verification processes.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that no eligible beneficiary has been intentionally excluded. He explained that the beneficiaries removed from the list failed to meet the required criteria, which include income limits, age restrictions and exclusions for those in government service or owning four-wheel vehicles.
Initially, the scheme was launched based on self-certification to ensure quick disbursement of funds. However, as this involves public money, government audits...