Shiv Sena Criticizes Maharashtra's 'Yojanadoot' Scheme as Misuse of Funds

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve criticized the Maharashtra government's 'Yojanadoot' scheme, calling it a misuse of taxpayer money. The scheme aims to appoint 50,000 youths to spread awareness about welfare schemes ahead of the assembly polls. Danve claims it is a ploy to utilize state funds for campaigning.

The Maharashtra government's 'Yojanadoot' scheme has come under fire from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve, who deems it a misuse of taxpayers' money. Danve made these remarks here on Friday.

The state government recently announced the appointment of 50,000 youths, termed 'yojanadoots,' to engage with the public and educate them about welfare schemes and their application processes. The initiative, which has a budget of Rs 300 crore, coincides with the upcoming assembly polls likely to occur in October.

Danve, the opposition leader in the Legislative Council, lambasted the plan, calling it a ''ghost'' initiative aimed at draining the state exchequer to bolster ruling party campaigns in the absence of grassroots support. In a post on X, Danve urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar to address the growing concerns around the 'yojanadoot' plan. Danve questioned the need for such intermediaries when existing government machinery is in place, urging taxpayers to recognize the alleged misuse of their money.

(With inputs from agencies.)