Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi. File | Photo Credit: ANI
Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi on Monday (February 10, 2025) took a dig at the Hemant Soren government over the non-payment of the monthly assistance to women under Maiya Samman Yojna.
Mr. Marandi said that as per the promise, the amount of the scheme should have been transferred to the accounts of all the women by tomorrow, but till now the government has not even paid the amount of the January as well.
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The scheme started by Chief Minister Hemant Soren forced the BJP to come up with Gogo-Didi Yojna (In Santhali Gogo means Mother) under which ₹2100 was promised during the Assembly election in 2024.
Initially, under the scheme the financial assistance of ₹1000 was given every month to eligible women above 18 years to 50 years of age. Later Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition government in the State approved an increase in the assistance given to women to families living below the poverty from ₹1,000 per month to ₹2,500.
While speaking to the media in Ranchi Mr. 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 been able to pay even the amount of the last January month. I am not saying anything, I am just reminding the promise he has made. The government should explain what is the matter and why there is a delay.”
He further said, “After the formation of the government, he has convened several cabinet meetings but not decisions in the favour of the people have been taken. There is talk that he is cheating the youth, farmers and women and not bothered about his promises made at the time of election.”
He added, “Even the pension of the elderly and widowed women is pending, thousands of poor tribal families are deprived of ration. Ignoring the issues of public interest by the Hemant Soren government is an insult to the public.”
Last instalment was transferred on January 6,2025 when Mr. Soren had transferred ₹1415.44 crore to 56.61 lakh women. This scheme has played an important role in the victory of INDIA bloc in Jharkhand winning 56 out of 81 Assembly seats.
“If the Hemant government does not take immediate action on public issues, then the BJP will launch a statewide movement against it,”Mr. Marandi said.
While speaking to The Hindu, JMM spokesperson Dr. Tanuj Khatri said that BJP’s political gimmicks were exposed and JMM stands firm on women’s welfare.
“Babulal Marandi’s baseless allegations regarding the Maiya Samaan Yojna are nothing but another desperate attempt by the BJP to mislead the people of Jharkhand. The Hemant Soren government has always prioritized women’s welfare, launching historic schemes that directly benefit them. However, the BJP, which has never cared for the rights and dignity of women, is now pretending to be their well-wisher,”Mr. Khatri said.
He further said, “The fact is, ₹2,500 has already been delivered to women beneficiaries, and the remaining payments are in process. Unlike the BJP, which abandons welfare schemes once in power, the JMM-led government remains committed to every promise made to the people. Beneficiaries will continue receiving their rightful assistance, ensuring no woman is left behind.”
He added, “BJP’s modus operandi has always been to attack pro-people policies while failing to provide real solutions. Where was their concern for women when inflation skyrocketed, LPG prices shot up, and unemployment crushed families? Why doesn’t Babulal Marandi question the Centre’s failure to provide financial relief to women?”
Slamming BJP, Mr. Khatri asserted that JMM will not tolerate BJP’s lies and propaganda.
“We work with accountability and transparency, unlike the BJP, which thrives on deception. Jharkhand’s people have seen through their tactics, and no amount of fake outrage can erase the truth—JMM delivers, BJP distracts!” Mr. Khatri said.
Published – February 11, 2025 08:59 am IST
