Mon Feb 17 06:18:55 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra’s Flagship Women’s Scheme Faces Funding Questions, but Minister Assures No Cuts to Other Programs

**Pune, Maharashtra –** Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule has reiterated that the state’s flagship women’s empowerment scheme, Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, will not impact other welfare programs. The scheme, which provides ₹1,500 monthly aid to women aged 21-65 from families earning less than ₹2.5 lakh annually, is estimated to cost the state ₹46,000 crore yearly.

Concerns have been raised regarding the scheme’s financial implications, especially given Maharashtra’s ₹2 lakh crore fiscal deficit. Opposition parties have criticized the scheme’s viability. Bawankule addressed these concerns, stating that each welfare program has a separate budget allocation, ensuring that the Ladki Bahin Yojana will not negatively affect other initiatives like the Shiv Bhojan scheme, which provides subsidized meals to the poor. He also confirmed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ruled out any recovery of funds from beneficiaries.

Bawankule acknowledged that some ineligible individuals have availed the benefits of the Ladki Bahin Yojana and urged them to voluntarily relinquish the aid. He emphasized the government’s intention to target the scheme towards genuinely needy women. The minister further assured that all existing welfare programs will continue and that the government plans to expand its social welfare initiatives. While the Mahayuti government promised to increase the monthly aid to ₹2,100 during the election campaign, the current amount remains at ₹1,500.

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