Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced plans to increase the financial assistance under the ‘Ladki Behen’ scheme to Rs 3,000 if his government receives support from the state’s women.
Currently, this scheme provides Rs 1,500 each month to married, widowed, and destitute women.
Shinde believes that under the next Mahayuti government, this amount will rise to Rs 3,000 per month.
The ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Behen Yojana,’ launched by the Mahayuti coalition government ahead of the assembly elections, offers Rs 1,500 every month to women aged 21 to 65 years who are married, widowed, or destitute.
To qualify for this assistance, the annual family income of the applicant must be up to Rs 2.5 lakh.
Opposition’s Reaction and Future Plans
Shinde questioned why opposition parties are envious of his government’s welfare initiatives.
He expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), will win the upcoming assembly elections.
He made these remarks during a conference at Kanheri Math in Kolhapur.
The Chief Minister criticized opposition parties for their negative comments about the ‘Ladki Behen Yojana.’
He said, “If dear sisters give strength to the government, we will increase the support from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 and possibly even to Rs 3,000.”
Shinde stated that the government plans to raise the monthly payment to Rs 2,500 and ultimately to Rs 3,000, depending on the support they receive.
Shinde also addressed the historical decision to declare indigenous cows as ‘Rajya Mata-Gomata.’
Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned that the opposition aims to shut down the ‘Ladki Behen’ scheme.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar added that if the Mahayuti coalition is elected in November, the scheme will continue for the next five years.
