The Maharashtra government on Thursday announced Rs 199.81 crore budget for the publicity of CM Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme under which Rs 1,500 will be deposited in the accounts of women below poverty line. The announcement comes two weeks after the government announced Rs 270 crore for the publicity of various schemes, including the said scheme. On Thursday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde virtually interacted with women beneficiaries of the scheme as government announced that Rs 3,000 (for July and August) have already been deposited in over 80 lakh accounts. “The scheme is not limited to elections. It is permanent. We have ensured the allotment of money under this scheme for one year. It will ensure that every beneficiary will continue to get the benefits of this scheme,” Shinde said. From August 17 to September 4, Shinde will hold seven programmes to promote the scheme under the state government’s women empowerment mission. Calling himself the “brother” who stands behind and supports every woman, Shinde said that he is ensuring that his sisters will not have to depend on anyone.
