Maharashtra Government Confirms No Increase in Ladki Bahin Scheme Assistance

State Minister Addresses Financial Aid Concerns

On Monday, Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat announced that the state will not be able to raise the monthly financial support for women under the Ladki Bahin scheme to Rs 2,100, despite prior commitments made by the ruling alliance during last year's Assembly elections.

He confirmed that the existing monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 will continue to be provided.

This marks the first instance of a state official openly admitting that the government cannot fulfill its electoral promise regarding this initiative.

Shirsat, affiliated with the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stated, “It is a reality that the monthly amount of Rs 1,500 cannot be raised to Rs 2,100.” He added that concerns about the scheme being terminated or reduced are unfounded, assuring that the commitments under the Ladki Bahin scheme will be honored.

He also mentioned that his ministry is facing outstanding dues totaling nearly Rs 3,000 crore, as reported by a local news outlet.

“About a month ago, I requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to consider the needs of my department with empathy and ensure that the necessary funds are allocated according to regulations,” he stated. “I have communicated this both in writing and verbally to Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.”

Previously, on May 3, Shirsat accused the finance department led by Pawar of unlawfully reallocating funds from his ministry without his knowledge.

“They had diverted Rs 7,000 crore from my department earlier during the Budget process while keeping me uninformed,” he claimed. “If the government does not intend for the social justice department to operate or wishes to withhold funding, they should consider shutting it down.”

Shirsat warned that if the diversion of funds persists, it could jeopardize several ongoing schemes, as reported by a local news outlet. He clarified that he supports the Ladki Bahin scheme, which he believes contributed to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance's electoral success.

The Ladki Bahin scheme provides women aged 21 to 65, with an annual family income below Rs 2.5 lakh, a monthly payment of Rs 1,500 through direct bank transfers.

This cash transfer initiative is credited with playing a significant role in the Mahayuti alliance securing 230 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections held in November. The coalition includes the BJP, Shinde Sena, and a faction of the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar.