Funding Discrepancies in Maharashtra Women's Commission: A Heated Debate

In the Maharashtra assembly, discrepancies in the funding of the State Commission for Women sparked heated exchanges. BJP's Sudhir Mungantiwar and NCP's Jayant Patil pressed Minister Meghana Bordikar for answers on the inconsistency between sanctioned outlay and actual expenditure, revealing a lack of funds for the commission's activities.

In a heated session of the Maharashtra assembly, members raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in the funding allocated to the State Commission for Women. BJP's Sudhir Mungantiwar and NCP's Jayant Patil questioned Minister Meghana Bordikar about the inconsistencies between sanctioned outlays and actual releases.

Mungantiwar criticized the need for every expenditure file to be approved by Mantralaya, arguing it undermined the commission's autonomy. Despite Bordikar's assurances that funds were allocated as needed, Patil claimed the numbers did not add up, citing numerous instances of lower-than-promised payments.

Further discussions revealed worries over the adverse impact on the commission's outreach and research efforts, with Mungantiwar emphasizing that inadequate funding hindered vital programs. Bordikar denied any pending requests, maintaining that funds were managed according to requirements.

(With inputs from agencies.)