- High Court has asked the Hemant government for detailed information on the Maiya Samman Yojana.
- Women aged 18 to 50 receive ₹2,500 monthly under this scheme.
- Next hearing scheduled for February 6 to discuss pending payments.
In a significant move regarding the Maiya Samman Yojana, the High Court has directed the Jharkhand government to provide crucial information about the beneficiaries and the funds allocated for the scheme. This inquiry comes as the court seeks details about how many women are receiving financial aid through this scheme and the total amount spent so far.
Justice Anand Sen’s bench raised questions during Monday’s hearing about the financial resources allocated to retiree benefits, highlighting a shortage of funds.
Understanding the Situation
The case was initiated by Ratan Devi, whose husband, Rajshekhar Tiwari, served as a librarian in the Chatra district. He reportedly did not receive payment from 1999 to 2022, accumulating a backlog of approximately ₹18.68 lakhs. The district education officer has confirmed that this amount is outstanding. A sworn affidavit indicated that the state had not allocated funds to cover this payment, which would be disbursed once the allocation is made. Ratan Devi filed a petition in the High Court after her husband’s death and the lack of payment.
The court was informed that, while the government claims to be short on funds for these payments, it concurrently provides monetary distributions to fulfill election promises. As a result, the court has demanded a comprehensive report on the Maiya Samman Yojana and other similar initiatives.
Maiya Samman Yojana – A Model for Other States
On the flip side, Rabindra Nath Mahto, the Speaker of the Jharkhand Assembly, has praised the Maiya Samman Yojana as a model for other states. During a ceremony on Republic Day, he remarked that this scheme epitomizes the socio-economic ideals of the Constitution’s architect, B.R. Ambedkar. Under this initiative, Chief Minister Hemant Soren aims to alleviate economic disparities and empower women by providing ₹2,500 monthly to eligible women aged 18 to 50.
The Speaker emphasized that the development narrative remains incomplete without addressing emotional pains, tying it to the democratic vision laid out by our founders 75 years ago.
“We crafted a nation bound by unity, emerging from pain and sacrifice. Our responsibility lies in ensuring that we uplift every citizen effectively.”
As the inquiry into the Maiya Samman Yojana progresses, attention remains on whether the government will fulfill its obligations to its constituents or continue to prioritize electoral distributions. The next court session on February 6 will be pivotal in determining the path ahead for this significant initiative.