India, Feb. 6 -- Madhya Pradesh revenue minister Karan Singh Verma sparked a controversy with his remarks about the Ladli Behna Scheme beneficiaries, suggesting that names of the beneficiaries who fail to attend government programmes should have their names removed.

Verma made the statement after expressing displeasure over the low turnout of women at the inauguration of a sub-health center and Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Dhamanda, Sehore district on Thursday. He said that 894 women receive Rs.1,500 every month under the Ladli Behna Scheme, yet their participation in government events remains limited.

Directing the chief executive officer, Verma said all beneficiaries should be called on a specific day, and if they fail to attend, their n...