[Jharkhand News] Maiya Samman Yojana Turns Into Maiya Apmaan Yojana: Babulal Marandi

Ranchi, October 17, 2024: Babulal Marandi, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jharkhand, has strongly criticized the Maiya Samman Yojana, labeling it as “Maiya Apmaan Yojana.”

According to Babulal Marandi, the scheme, which was introduced by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has turned into a tool for exploitation rather than empowerment. He accused the current government of misleading women under the guise of welfare, stating that the scheme has failed to deliver on its promises and is being used for political gains.

BJP vs. JMM Over Welfare Scheme

In his statement, Babulal Marandi raised several key issues regarding the Maiya Samman Yojana. He accused the state government of using the scheme as a political gimmick to gain favor ahead of upcoming elections. Babulal Marandi highlighted that the initiative, which was aimed at supporting women, has instead become a source of disillusionment.

“The scheme was announced with much fanfare, but it has only exposed the government’s hollow promises. Women across Jharkhand are being misled and exploited in the name of welfare,” Babulal Marandi stated.

He went on to assert that the scheme is marred by irregularities, with numerous reports of beneficiaries being charged fees for registration, name inclusion in the beneficiary list, and even for funds transfers, which, according to him, is unacceptable.

Babulal Marandi Slams Hemant Soren Over Maiya Samman Yojana Failures

Babulal Marandi did not hold back in his criticism of the administration’s management of the Maiya Samman Yojana. He alleged that there have been widespread reports of fraud linked to the scheme, including beneficiaries being asked to pay money under various pretexts. This, he said, was indicative of deeper systemic flaws and a lack of proper oversight.

Babulal Marandi’s statement comes at a time when several reports have surfaced regarding the mismanagement of the scheme. According to sources, there have been instances where women have been asked to pay a fee to be included in the list of beneficiaries. Others reported that intermediaries had demanded money to ensure the timely transfer of funds into their accounts.

“The Hemant Soren government has reduced the scheme to a mere instrument of exploitation. Instead of empowering women, it has become a scheme of extortion. This is not the first time the government has failed to deliver on its promises, and it won’t be the last unless corrective measures are taken,” said Babulal Marandi.

Controversy Surrounds Maiya Samman Yojana: BJP vs. JMM Over Welfare Scheme

The strong criticism from Babulal Marandi has sparked a political debate, with the opposition party seizing the opportunity to corner the Hemant Soren-led government.

Political analysts suggest that Marandi’s comments are strategically timed, as the state is gearing up for elections. By attacking the government on a scheme meant for women’s welfare, the BJP aims to portray the ruling party as indifferent to the needs and rights of women.

Babulal Marandi’s stance has also highlighted the ongoing battle between the BJP and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government, as both parties prepare for the electoral contest. The BJP is focusing on issues related to governance and accountability, and Marandi’s statements suggest that the Maiya Samman Yojana could become a key issue in their campaign narrative.

The BJP has vowed to continue raising the issue, seeking to hold the state government accountable for what they see as its failures. Marandi has also urged women across the state to come forward and share their grievances, promising that the BJP would stand by them and ensure justice.

Rebuttal from the Government

In response to Babulal Marandi’s allegations, representatives from the state government defended the Maiya Samman Yojana, asserting that the scheme was introduced with good intentions and that any reports of irregularities would be thoroughly investigated.

A spokesperson for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) accused the BJP of politicizing a welfare initiative that has benefitted thousands of women. “The BJP is trying to divert attention from its own failures by creating a false narrative. The Maiya Samman Yojana was introduced to uplift women and improve their socio-economic status. If there are any issues, we are committed to addressing them,” the spokesperson said.

The government further added that it has initiated steps to streamline the process and eliminate any possibilities of fraud. It assured the public that strict action would be taken against those found exploiting the scheme.

Conclusion: Maiya Samman Yojana Turns Into ‘Maiya Apmaan Yojana’

The debate over the Maiya Samman Yojana has brought to the forefront issues of governance, accountability, and the role of welfare schemes in political strategies. As Jharkhand moves closer to election season, such issues are likely to dominate the political discourse.

Babulal Marandi’s criticism has certainly intensified the spotlight on the scheme, raising questions about its implementation and efficacy. Whether the government will be able to address these concerns effectively remains to be seen. The coming weeks will likely see more political exchanges, as both sides try to sway public opinion in their favor.

In the meantime, women beneficiaries are left hoping that the focus on the Maiya Samman Yojana leads to a genuine effort to improve its implementation and ensure that the scheme delivers on its promises, rather than becoming a tool for political gains.