Jharkhand: BJP's Babulal Marandi Slams Hemant Soren Government Over Delay Of 'Maiya Samman Yojna' Payments

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and BJP State President Babulal Marandi has criticised the Hemant Soren-led government over the non-payment of monthly financial assistance under the Maiya Samman Yojna, accusing the administration of failing to fulfil its promises to women beneficiaries, reported The Hindu.

Delayed Payments Raise Concerns

Under the scheme, eligible women were initially promised Rs 1,000 per month, which was later increased to Rs 2,500 for families living below the poverty line. However, payments for January 2025 are still pending, despite the government's commitment to timely disbursal.

Speaking at a press conference in Ranchi, Marandi said, “As per the promise, the amount of the Maiya Samman Yojna should have been transferred to the accounts of all the sisters of the state by tomorrow, but till now the government has not even paid the amount for January. The government should explain what is causing the delay.”, quoted as saying by The Hindu.

He further criticised the administration for failing to address key public issues, alleging that youth, farmers, and women have been neglected despite multiple cabinet meetings.

Political Battle Over Women’s Welfare

The Maiya Samman Yojna, launched by CM Hemant Soren, played a significant role in the INDIA bloc’s electoral success, helping it secure 56 out of 81 seats in the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections. The BJP, in response, had introduced the Gogo-Didi Yojna, promising Rs 2,100 financial assistance to women during the polls.

Marandi accused the government of failing to support vulnerable sections, stating, “Even the pension for elderly and widowed women is pending, and thousands of poor tribal families are deprived of ration. Ignoring public issues is an insult to the people of Jharkhand.”

He also issued a warning, stating that BJP would launch a statewide movement if the government does not take immediate action.

JMM Defends Its Record, Dismisses BJP’s Allegations

Countering these claims, JMM spokesperson Tanuj Khatri dismissed BJP’s accusations as political theatrics, asserting that the Hemant Soren government remains committed to women’s welfare.

“Babulal Marandi’s baseless allegations are nothing but another desperate attempt by the BJP to mislead the people of Jharkhand. The Hemant Soren government has always prioritised women’s welfare, launching historic schemes that directly benefit them,” Khatri told The Hindu.