Ladki Bahin Yojana New Promises: What’s next now?

The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has emerged as a significant women’s empowerment initiative in Maharashtra, gaining prominence ahead of the upcoming state elections. Launched by the Maharashtra government in July 2024, this scheme aims to provide financial assistance and support to women across the state. Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, eligible women receive a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 directly deposited into their bank accounts. The scheme targets women aged between 21 and 65 years, from families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh. It encompasses a wide range of beneficiaries, including married, widowed, divorced, abandoned, and destitute women, as well as one unmarried woman per eligible household.

The primary objectives of the scheme include:

1. Improving women’s economic independence
2. Enhancing health and nutrition
3. Strengthening women’s role within their families

The Maharashtra government has allocated a substantial budget of ₹46,000 crore for the scheme’s implementation, reflecting its commitment to women’s welfare.

The scheme has garnered significant attention from both the ruling Mahayuti coalition government and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. While the Mahayuti government promotes the scheme as a success story during its election campaign, the MVA has raised concerns about its financial sustainability.

To apply for the Ladki Bahin Yojana, eligible women can use the official online portal of the Maharashtra government or seek assistance from local officials such as Anganwadi Sevak, Gram Sevak, or Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendra.

As the scheme takes center stage in political discussions, it has become a key talking point for both alliances vying for power in the upcoming Maharashtra elections. The implementation and success of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana are likely to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing voter decisions in the state.

Ladki Bahin Yojana – New Promised made by MVA and Mahayuti

There are tons of promises made by Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Mahayuti. But the most important once are related to Ladki Bahin Yojana. Here’s a summary of the key promises from both sides:

Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Promises:

1. Rs 3,000 per month cash transfer to women
2. Free bus rides for women
3. Farm loan waiver of up to Rs 3 lakh
4. Monthly support of Rs 4,000 for unemployed youth
5. Health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for the poor

Mahayuti Alliance Promises:

1. Increase in Ladki Bahin Yojana monthly payout from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 for women and senior citizens
2. Increase in Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana for farmers from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 per month
3. Farm loan waiver
4. Monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for one million young people1
5. 2.5 million new jobs
6. Akshay Anna Yojana – a program to supply kitchen essentials (spices and oil) to low-income families
7. State anti-conversion law
8. Making Maharashtra drought-free over the next five years

Both alliances are competing to offer attractive welfare schemes and financial assistance to various segments of the population. However, these promises have raised concerns about their financial viability, especially in light of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report highlighting Maharashtra’s significant debt burden.The implementation of these promises will be a challenge for the next government, given that the state has to repay Rs 2.75 lakh crore of debt by 2030. This financial situation may limit the government’s ability to fulfill all the electoral promises made during the campaign.

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