Maharashtra Plans Financial Empowerment Scheme For 1.5 Crore Women

The Maharashtra government, led by Eknath Shinde, plans to introduce a new scheme to financially empower women from economically weaker sections and the middle class. The scheme will provide direct cash transfers into the bank accounts of eligible women. Reports suggest the government may offer over Rs 1,250 per month to women across the state.

This initiative is expected to benefit nearly 1.5 crore women in Maharashtra. The scheme will likely target women from families holding Yellow and Orange ration cards. The age limit for availing benefits is expected to be between 21 and 60 years, similar to the Ladli Bahna Yojana.

Additionally, the annual family income of beneficiaries should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh. The scheme is being planned along the lines of the 'Ladli Bahna Yojana' implemented by the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, which also provides financial assistance to eligible women.

The Ladli Bahna Yojana has been successful in Madhya Pradesh, contributing to the BJP's significant victory in the state assembly elections. Since its inception, married, divorced, and several other categories of women have benefited from it.

The scheme was launched by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during his tenure, with the aim of empowering women. Under the 'Ladli Bahna Yojana', Rs 1,250 is transferred to the accounts of women every month. Over 1.29 crore women in Madhya Pradesh have benefited from the scheme in the last 11 months.

During the Lok Sabha election campaign, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promised to deposit Rs 8,000 into the accounts of the poor. This announcement helped Congress in states like Uttar Pradesh. Taking a cue from this, the Shinde government in Maharashtra is also planning a similar scheme that could prove beneficial in the upcoming elections.

The new scheme in Maharashtra is expected to be launched before the assembly elections. The move aims to provide financial relief and support to women from economically weaker sections and the middle class across the state.