The Maharashtra government’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, under which women are given financial assistance of Rs 1500 every month, will soon go through major changes. This scheme can exclude women whose financial condition is better than before or who is earning good herself.
Finance Minister Ajit Pawar clarified in the assembly on Monday that the scheme would not be closed, but significant changes will be made in it. He said that many ineligible people are also getting the benefit of the scheme, as it was implemented in a hurry. Many MLAs had expressed concern about this scheme in the assembly, in response to which Ajit Pawar spoke of change.
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The plan will be reviewed, but no recovery
Ajit Pawar also said that the government will not withdraw money from ineligible beneficiaries, but the economically competent people will be appealed to leave the benefit of the scheme on their own. He an example of this was linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to quit gas subsidy.
What happened to the election promise of Mahayuti government?
During the election, the Mahayuti government had promised to increase this amount to Rs 2100 after coming to power, but so far no decision has been taken on it. Instead, the government has announced to review the scheme and remove ineligible beneficiaries.
Lack of funds and infrastructure effect
Lack of funds with the government is also believed to be a major reason for reviewing this scheme. It is being said that the infrastructure projects are being affected as a large amount is being spent on the ladki sister scheme. Recently, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat said that the government has withdrawn Rs 7000 crore from his department and allocated for this scheme.
The government had set a fund of Rs 46,000 crore for this scheme before the assembly elections, but in 2025-26 it has been reduced to Rs 36,000 crore.
Devendra Fadnavis had already signed
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had already indicated that the eligibility list of the scheme would be reviewed, as it could include a large number of ineligible people. Now when questions are being raised on the financial situation of the government, reconsideration of this scheme has become necessary.
What will be the next step?
- The plan will not be completely closed, but the filtering will be done.
- Economically competent women will be appealed not to take advantage of the scheme.
- There will be no recovery, but there will be strict monitoring from further.
- According to the election promise, no decision has been taken at the moment on increasing the amount.
