Chandrashekhar Bawankule Affirms No Impact on Welfare Schemes from Ladki Bahin Programme

Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that each welfare scheme has its own budget, unaffected by the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. This programme provides Rs 1,500 monthly to women aged 21-65 with an annual family income below Rs 2.5 lakh. It is credited with contributing to the BJP-led Mahayuti's success in the November 2024 state assembly elections.

Funding and Budget Allocation

Bawankule addressed concerns about the Ladki Bahin scheme's impact on other initiatives, which may cost the state around Rs 46,000 crore annually. He assured that funds are allocated separately for each scheme. "Our government has allocated a separate budget for every scheme. Ladki Bahin has a separate budget. Likewise, schemes for farm crop insurance have a separate budget. Some people are creating confusion about the Ladki Bahin Yojana," he stated.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that there will be no recovery efforts related to this scheme. He also confirmed that the Shiv Bhojan programme, offering discounted meals to the poor, will continue without interruption. Bawankule emphasized that all ongoing welfare programmes will persist as planned.

Addressing Misuse and Future Plans

The minister highlighted instances where individuals who do not need financial support have misused the Ladki Bahin scheme. "We request such people to give up the scheme. Our aim is to empower those women who are financially weak and need financial help. We want to extend the benefits of the scheme to such women," he urged.

During the election campaign, Mahayuti leaders pledged to increase the monthly aid from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 under this scheme. However, opposition parties have questioned its financial feasibility given Maharashtra's fiscal deficit of Rs 2 lakh crore.

Bawankule reassured that no welfare programme would be halted; instead, more schemes would be introduced. He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting financially vulnerable women through targeted assistance while maintaining existing initiatives without disruption.