Stop Laadki Bahin scheme if funds lacking for pensions

Mumbai | Desk: The Maharashtra government should stop the Mukhymantri Majhi Laadki Bahin Yojana if it is unable to manage funds to pay pension to retired employees, the Bombay High Court remarked on Friday. 

In a Bench comprising Justice Ravindra Ghughe and Justice Abhay Mantri, hearing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) teacher's plea that she has not been paid pension and other benefits as per the Seventh Pay Commission despite repeated requests. 

The reason behind the delays was insufficient funds from the government. To which the court stated, 'If the government has no funds to pay pensions, then schemes like Laadki Bahin should be stopped'. 

Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme of the Maharashtra state to ensure economic independence of women in the state, under which monthly installments of 1,500 are transferred to around 1.5 crore eligible beneficiaries. 

In strong remarks, the bench also said that if the state is genuinely facing financial hardship, it should sell office assets such as tables, air conditioners, chairs, and furniture to pay the dues of the petitioner. It even suggested selling the official vehicle of the BMC commissioner if necessary, stressing that the woman should receive the money she has earned. 

The High Court has taken note of the delay and asked the Additional Commissioner to file an affidavit explaining the reasons and the steps being taken to fix the issue. It also stressed the need for financial accountability and timely payment of dues.