The Hindu : New Delhi News : Apex court stays order on women’s scheme

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Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008
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New Delhi

Apex court stays order on women’s scheme

J. Venkatesan

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed Rajasthan High Court order staying implementation of the women’s empowerment scheme, Bhamasha Yojana, launched in July.

The High Court had stayed the scheme on October 21 on a public interest litigation petition filed by Mohan Lal Sharma, who alleged that the State Government was disbursing money on the eve of the Rajasthan Assembly elections in order to influence the voters. The High Court had granted the stay pursuant to an order passed by the Election Commission staying implementation of the scheme.

A Bench comprises of Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan and Justice P. Sathasivam while staying the order said that it would be subject to the order passed by the Election Commission.

Senior counsel Aftaf Ahmed, appearing for the State contended that the High Court had gone beyond its jurisdiction by staying the entire scheme, which was launched in February this year.

The Bhamasha empowerment and women’s financial inclusion scheme was first announced by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in her Budget speech this year. Under the scheme, a deposit of Rs.1,500 is made in the bank account of a woman member from each of the Below Poverty Line, Scheduled Caste and Schedule Tribe families and those of small and marginal farmers.

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