The Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a crucial initiative by the BJP government in Chhattisgarh, has led to the exclusion of numerous beneficiaries. Within a year, 3,399 women in the Bastar district were removed from the scheme. A significant number, 1,923 beneficiaries, were removed due to their death. The remaining women were delisted due to issues such as incorrect documentation or participation in government employment while still receiving benefits. According to Women and Child Development Officer Manoj Sinha, the delayed reporting of deaths caused the release of funds in several instances. The authorities are currently working to recover these funds. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year from Kashi, with approximately 194,000 women receiving their initial installment in the inaugural month. The latest, 19th installment has been released this month, but many women are still missing out due to reasons like missed registration, inactive Aadhaar cards, or recent eligibility. Registration efforts are now underway in Naxal-affected areas. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade have confirmed that the registration portal will reopen. The Women and Child Development Officer stated that while new registrations are halted in Bastar, the registration process is active for Naxal victims in Naxal-affected regions. Suspicious cases are under departmental investigation, and any unlawfully obtained funds are being recovered.
