Maharashtra: No announcement on raise, Ladki Bahin pay to stay at Rs 1,500
Mahayuti promised to increase it to Rs 2,100
2 min read
When asked about increasing the payout, Fadnavis said the government was working on it and that the state must maintain a financial balance while honoring its commitments (Express Photo)In the first state budget of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led government, no announcement was made regarding the much-anticipated increase in the payout of the Ladki Bahin scheme — an initiative of the previous Mahayuti government, which is said to have helped it come to power.
The Mahayuti government had launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana in July 2024, where it provides Rs 1,500 per month to women eligible under the scheme. In its poll manifesto ahead of the state Assembly elections, the Mahayuti had promised to increase the amount to Rs 2,100.
While it was anticipated that the government will announce an increased payout in the budget session, none was made.
When asked about increasing the payout, Fadnavis said the government was working on it and that the state must maintain a financial balance while honoring its commitments.
“We are working on giving it (the increased payout of Rs 2,100). But while presenting the budget, It is necessary to maintain financial discipline to continue the scheme. Money has been allocated as per the previous trend. If we feel that the money can be increased now, we will fulfill the promises,” said Fadnavis, adding that in April, beneficiaries will get Rs 1,500 only.
“When it has to be announced, we will do so a month in advance and give Rs 2,100 from the following month,” Fadnavis said.
Finance minister Ajit Pawar, echoing Fadnavis’s statements, said, “I am firm on my words that I will not upset our sisters and will fulfill our promise.”
While presenting his 11th budget, Ajit Pawar made an allocation of Rs 36,000 crore for the Ladli Ladki Bahin scheme for 2025-26, which is a reduction from last year’s estimated allocation of Rs 46,000 crore.
While the opposition targetted the government over reducing the allocation from the previously projected amount of Rs 46,000 crore, Pawar clarified that last year’s allocation was a projected amount and ever since the scheme’s launch announcement, it’s expenditure has been around Rs 33,232 crore.
“The scheme’s allocated amount is as per the previous trend. If we felt in future that we need more or it needs to be increased, we will do it in the upcoming months,” Fadnavis said on the allocation.
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