Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Hits At Uddhav Thackeray, Says Golden Spoon Prince Won't Understand Rs 1500 Value

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently criticised the opposition, particularly Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray. Shinde remarked that those "born with a golden spoon" cannot appreciate the Rs 1,500 monthly assistance provided to underprivileged women through the state's new welfare initiative, the 'Mukhya Mantri Ladki Bahin Yojana.'

Addressing an event in Mumbai's Chandivali area, Shinde responded to criticisms labelling the scheme as "deceptive and a false assurance." He emphasised that contrary to these claims, the initiative has garnered significant support from women across Maharashtra.

Mukhya Mantri Ladki Bahin Yojana: Scheme Details

The 'Mukhya Mantri Ladki Bahin Yojana' was announced on June 28 during the state budget presentation by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The scheme targets women aged 21-65 with an annual income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh, providing them with Rs 1,500 per month as financial aid. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later confirmed that the first installment would be released before Raksha Bandhan.

Shinde highlighted that nearly 2 crore women applied for benefits under this scheme, with 1.5 crore eligible recipients already receiving their promised stipend. He stated, "The opposition makes fun of the scheme that they (the government) are giving bribes (through this scheme). Those born with a golden spoon will not understand the value of Rs 1,500. The value of Rs 1,500 will be known to my 'ladkya bahini' (dear sisters)."

Opposition's Criticism and Financial Viability

The opposition has criticised the scheme's projected annual cost of Rs 46,000 crore, arguing it is financially unsustainable and dismissing the monthly stipend as insufficient. They have also spread rumours suggesting that the credited money would be taken back.

Shinde countered these claims by insisting that once the first tranche was credited to beneficiaries' bank accounts, it proved the opposition wrong. He asserted, "After the amount was credited, the opposition spread rumours that money will be taken back. But this government is the one that gives and not takes."

Encouraging Support and Future Prospects

Shinde encouraged women beneficiaries to support the government, hinting at a potential increase in the stipend if they do so. He suggested that stronger government backing could lead to doubling the monthly assistance amount, appealing to women voters ahead of upcoming assembly elections expected in November.

The state government aims to empower women socially, financially, educationally and politically through this scheme. Shinde urged people not to believe in the opposition's negative narrative about 'Ladki Bahin Yojana,' reinforcing his commitment by distributing some forms of the scheme during its launch event.

The initiative seeks to uplift financially disadvantaged women across Maharashtra by providing consistent financial aid. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance women's roles in various spheres of life within the state.