Ajit Pawar Assures Continuation of Ladki Bahin Scheme Amid Speculation

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has reaffirmed that the Ladki Bahin scheme will continue, dismissing rumours of its discontinuation. The scheme, officially known as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, provides ₹1,500 per month to eligible women and played a crucial role in the ruling Mahayuti coalition’s electoral success last year.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday night, Pawar, who also serves as the state’s finance minister, stated, “The budgetary allocation for the implementation of the scheme has been made, and there is no question of scrapping it.”

Earlier, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare addressed concerns regarding reports that 7.74 lakh women were receiving ₹500 instead of ₹1,500 under the scheme. She clarified that these beneficiaries were already receiving ₹1,000 per month under another government program, the Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana, and were being compensated with an additional ₹500 to match the ₹1,500 cap set by the Ladki Bahin scheme.

The opposition has accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of misleading voters, alleging that the scheme was used as an electoral strategy and is now being scaled back. Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised the government, stating, “Women are being removed from the list of beneficiaries, citing various reasons. The corrupt Mahayuti government is betraying the trust of the people.”

Tatkare, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that no eligible woman has been excluded and that the policy remains unchanged since July 3, 2024.

Despite political debates, the Maharashtra government maintains that the Ladki Bahin scheme remains intact, ensuring financial assistance to women who are not benefiting from other welfare programs.