Maharashtra Minister Addresses CM Fadnavis’ Remarks on Ladki Bahin Yojana
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Synopsis
Maharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare clarified that CM Devendra Fadnavis did not announce an increase in aid from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 for the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The scheme, launched last July, continues its support for eligible women as the government prepares for the upcoming budget.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare clarifies CM Fadnavis' statements regarding the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
- Current aid remains at Rs 1,500 with no confirmed increase to Rs 2,100.
- Over 2.45 crore beneficiaries have received aid since the scheme's inception.
- Financial assistance for February and March will be disbursed on March 8.
- The government continues to monitor eligibility effectively.
Mumbai, March 5 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Minister of Women and Child Development, Aditi Tatkare, clarified on Wednesday during a state council meeting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis did not state that the government would raise the monthly financial aid from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 for eligible women beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana in the forthcoming budget for 2025-26.
“The MahaYuti government initiated the Ladki Bahin Yojana on July 6 of the previous year, providing a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500. While the MahaYuti did promise in its Assembly election manifesto to increase aid to Rs 2,100, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has never indicated that this updated assistance would be included in the upcoming budget. The election manifesto covers a term of five years,” she explained.
She stressed that the chief minister had never confirmed that the government would implement the Rs 2,100 aid in the upcoming budget.
The matter was brought to attention in the upper house by Shiv Sena UBT legislator Anil Parab, who inquired when the government would begin disbursing Rs 2,100 to eligible women beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
“We discuss the Ladki Bahin Yojana daily. How many sisters are at risk of disqualification or why weren’t the criteria established earlier?” queried Parab.
He also inquired, “Has the necessary provisions for this scheme been made? How many women have been excluded? Some women are benefiting from both the Namo Shetkari scheme and the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which indicates that the government may be deceived.”
Parab further questioned what actions would be taken against those who have received benefits from both schemes. “What measures will be taken against officials who may have squandered government funds by granting both benefits?” he asked.
In response, Minister Aditi Tatkare explained: “When the registration process commenced last July, there were 50 lakh women whose accounts were not Aadhaar seeded. The seeding process has begun. As accounts are being Aadhaar seeded, benefits are being allocated accordingly. This scheme is aimed at women aged between 21 and 65. Each month, some women age out of the 65 age group, resulting in fluctuations in the total number of beneficiaries. Additionally, some women marry and relocate to other states, which also affects the count.”
The minister noted that in August, the government provided the first installment to 1.59 crore beneficiaries, followed by more than 2.20 crore in September, 2.33 crore in October, and 2.45 crore in November-December.
She confirmed that there has been no reduction in the number of eligible applicants. Tatkare stated that the government will distribute the financial assistance for February and March (totaling Rs 3,000) on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
