Maharashtra govt gives Rs 36,000 crore to Ladki Bahin in budget, mum on stipend hike

Mumbai: The Maha Yuti-NDA government in Maharashtra has earmarked Rs 36,000 crore for the flagship Mukhya Mantri Majhi Laadki Bahin Yojana, however, where is no mention of the enhancement of the cash-benefit from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 — which was a poll promise of the tri-party coalition. 

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi-I.N.D.I.A. bloc slammed the Devendra Fadnavis-led dispensation saying that the three partners - BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP for failing to bring in clarity over the scheme. 

Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a cash-benefit scheme, eligible girls/women, aged between 21-65, with annual family income less than Rs 2.5 lakh are given Rs 1,500 per month, to promote rehabilitation, economic development and empowerment of women/girls.

“Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, around 2.53 crores women beneficiaries will receive Rs 33,232 crore (during 2024-25). For 2025-26, Rs 36,000 crore will be allocated. with special plans to further encourage women groups utilizing the subsidy,” said Pawar, the Deputy CM, who is the Finance and Planning Minister, while tabling the Budget 2025-26 in the Maharashtra Legislature. 

Talking to reporters, Fadnavis said the poll promise will be fulfilled after the fiscal balance is achieved but it will not be done from April. “Gradually, we will announce the increase,” he said.

“People are asking why the amount was not increased to Rs 2,100. But, that is in process, we have mentioned it in our manifesto, it is not a printing mistake. We will fulfil the promise, but would need some time for it,” said Shinde, the Deputy CM and state Urban Development Minister. 

The scheme was launched during Maha Yuti's previous term.

However, opposition leaders slammed the government for not fulfilling their promise.

“The government is not interested in the welfare of Ladki Bahin, but Ladka contractors,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray, a former CM.

“The promise of Rs 2,100 has been left behind,” said Aaditya Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) legislature party leader. 

“There is no mention of Rs 2,100 in the budget,” pointed out Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar. 

“They have misled Ladki Bahin, farmers, unemployed. They promised ease in inflation, but there is no mention of that. The government   has lied to the people, this is what has come out of this Budget,” said Congress leader Nana Patole, a former Speaker. 

"During elections, they gave money in advance. Now, even the normal Rs 1500 is also not being given on time. They had said that they would give Rs 2100 once they came to power but they are not saying anything on it,” said NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar.