No Question of Scrapping Ladki Bahin Scheme, Says Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has firmly dismissed speculations about scrapping the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship scheme providing Rs 1,500 monthly to eligible women. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday night, Pawar, also the state’s finance minister, emphasized that budgetary allocations are in place, ensuring the scheme’s continuity.

The initiative, credited for bolstering the Mahayuti coalition’s (BJP, Shiv Sena, and Pawar’s NCP) victory in the 2024 state elections, remains a cornerstone of the government’s welfare agenda.

The clarification follows media reports alleging reduced aid for 7.74 lakh women. State Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare countered these claims, explaining that women receiving Rs 1,000 under other schemes, like the Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana, are paid an additional Rs 500 under Ladki Bahin to meet the Rs 1,500 benchmark.

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“No eligible woman has been excluded, and no changes have been made since July 3, 2024,” Tatkare stated on X, accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation due to the scheme’s success.

Tatkare, addressing the state legislature during the budget session, reiterated that women not enrolled in other government schemes receive the full Rs 1,500, while those with partial benefits get the difference. She slammed the opposition for either misunderstanding administrative processes or being demoralized by the scheme’s popularity.

The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched to empower women financially, continues to be a political flashpoint, with the Mahayuti coalition defending its implementation against opposition critiques.

As Maharashtra navigates post-election dynamics, Pawar’s assurance underscores the government’s commitment to sustaining this high-impact welfare program.

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