Ladki Bahin Scheme: As ruling allies bicker, Maharashtra govt directs collectors to bypass local panels

The tehsildar, as a member secretary of the tehsil-level committee, is responsible for verifying the eligibility of applicants. The committee also includes three non-governmental members representing each of the three ruling parties, one of whom is designated as the president.

“Reports indicate disputes over who should serve as the committee president, with each ruling party pushing for its own representative. This has led to delays, as the district guardian minister, who leads the district-level committee, is forced to make decisions, affecting the beneficiary lists,” an official from the Women and Child Development department said.

Following the cabinet discussion, the government issued orders on Saturday directing district collectors to send the beneficiary lists directly to the state headquarters, bypassing the tehsil committees. “The collector can seek the committee’s approval later. If there are issues with the committee’s approval, the collector can request assistance from the guardian minister,” the order stated.

The CM Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, a flagship initiative of the state government, is scheduled for launch in the third week of August. The scheme will provide Rs 1,500 per month to one woman aged 18-65 (with two women from each family listed on the ration card). Approximately 1.41 crore women have applied so far, with the number expected to reach 1.89 crore by the end of next week.