Hemant Soren has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for his second term, amidst significant controversy involving allegations of corruption and various irregularities. Despite these challenges, he secured another victory in the state elections. Central to his campaign were the enticing promises aimed at the state’s population, particularly women, through the acclaimed Maiya Scheme, which offered monetary benefits. However, these electoral pledges have largely fallen short in practice. In one notable instance, BJP leader Babulal Marandi accused Soren of corruption and manipulating public sentiment.
“Approximately 40 women from a single village in the Giridih district’s Teesri block applied for the Maiya Scheme, a government initiative promising financial assistance. However, only 15 have received the benefits so far, leaving 25 women waiting despite completing all procedural requirements. The affected women allege that despite adhering to the prescribed process, they are yet to receive the promised support,” wrote Marandi on X.
गिरिडीह जिले के तीसरी प्रखंड अंतर्गत एक गांव में तकरीबन 40 महिलाओं ने मंईयां योजना का फॉर्म भरा है, लेकिन उनमें से सिर्फ 15 लोगों को ही योजना का लाभ मिल रहा है। बाकी 25 महिलाएं अब भी भुगतान का इंतजार कर रहीं हैं। महिलाओं का कहना है कि उन्होंने पूरी प्रक्रिया के तहत आवेदन किया,… pic.twitter.com/sHEixAvu2J
— Babulal Marandi (@yourBabulal) December 5, 2024
He further added, “Hopes had been high for the scheme launched by the Hemant Soren government, which aimed to provide much-needed financial relief to women across the state. Unfortunately, allegations of corruption and a lack of transparency in beneficiary selection have marred its implementation”.
On December 4, BJP State President Marandi called for immediate action, demanding the government establish special camps to assist women beneficiaries of the Maiya Scheme, also referred to as the Maiya Samman Yojana. He emphasised the need for timely payments under this and other social security schemes, including pending old-age and widow pensions.
Under the Maiya Samman Yojana, launched in August this year, eligible women aged 18 to 50 were entitled to a monthly pension of Rs 1,000. Following a resolution by the Department of Women, Child Development, and Social Security, the amount was increased to Rs 2,500 in November, in line with a key poll promise by the Hemant Soren government.
While the announcement brought hope, its execution has led to widespread discontent. Women across the state have been crowding government offices daily to enroll, correct application errors, or inquire about the status of their benefits. Long queues and hours of waiting have become common sights in district and circle offices, including those in Ranchi’s Argora and Kanke areas, as officials struggle to cope with the influx.
“I have stood in line for hours for three consecutive days, but there’s no clarity about when I will receive the payment,” said Shanti Devi, a 35-year-old resident of Ranchi. Similar grievances echo in Giridih, where applicants express frustration over delays and the lack of communication from authorities.
Marandi urged the administration to address these issues promptly. “The government must set up special camps to ensure that the most marginalised women are not deprived of their rightful benefits. They must also address the delays in pensions for the elderly and widows,” he said.
For the women of Giridih and other districts, the delay in receiving Maiya Scheme benefits underscores larger issues of governance and accountability. With serpentine queues, unresponsive systems, and growing public discontent, the government faces mounting pressure to deliver on its promises swiftly and effectively.
