TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane on Wednesday alleged that discrimination was being meted out to constituencies represented by Opposition MLAs in sanctioning benefits under the Laadli Laxmi scheme.
Rane informed the House that, “the Laadli Laxmi scheme forms signed by me and my son Vishwajit are not being cleared by the scrutiny committee.” He said that several forms have been returned to the applicants.
Rane also claimed that application forms are not being made available to the Opposition constituencies.
Minister for Women and Child Development Dilip Parulekar assured to inquire into the matter and take necessary action. “I am not aware about the issue. According to my knowledge, the scrutiny committee has been clearing almost all forms, except those which are without proper documentation,” he said.
Parulekar said that there is no issue of discrimination as the forms are being made available in the banks.
This exchange occurred during the discussion on demand for grants for department of women and child. Rane, while moving the cut motion to the demand pointed out the failure to prevent favoritism in appointments of Balwadi and Anganwadi workers. He demanded that the local panchayat bodies should be taken into consideration while appointing these workers. Rane also pointed out the failure to construct Balwadis and Anganwadis in various villages as well as upgradation of infrastructure in the existing Anganwadis.
Meanwhile, Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai, Wednesday extended his support to government by supporting the demands for Women and Child Development and Tourism. He opposed the cut motion moved by Opposition benches although he has been by far the most vocal critic of the government on almost all fronts. “I have been so far satisfied with the Minister. I would request him to develop Fatorda on the tourism front,” he said. “For the first time, I would like to support the demands,” he stated.
