The CAG flagged over Rs 3,500 crore excess expenditure on the Ladki Bahin scheme. Thousands of crores were parked in deposit accounts, indicating financial mismanagement. The Women and Child Development Department lacked justification for the substantial spending increase. This practice undermined legislative control over public finances and budgetary discipline. The department was advised to link fund withdrawals to immediate expenditure needs.

A key factor behind the surge in expenditure was the Ladki Bahin scheme, which led to a surge in the women welfare budget from ₹261.78 crore in 2023-24 to ₹33,554.36 crore in…

The programme for a monthly transfer of Rs 1,500 to a section of women is said to have played a key role in the BJP-led alliance winning the 2024 state polls.

The CAG flagged over Rs 3,500 crore excess expenditure on the Ladki Bahin scheme. Thousands of crores were parked in deposit accounts, indicating financial mismanagement. The…