Maharashtra Government Launches 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' Scheme for Women

The Maharashtra government's 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, launched by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, offers Rs 1,500 monthly assistance to eligible women. The initiative aims to benefit over 1 crore women and may double the stipend if the alliance is re-elected. The scheme has faced criticism from opposition parties.

The Maharashtra government on Saturday debuted the ambitious 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, pledging financial support to eligible women. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde suggested that the current monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 could be increased to Rs 3,000 if their alliance secures victory in the upcoming elections.

More than 1 crore women are anticipated to benefit from this initiative, which coincides with the Rakshabandhan festive season. The scheme, supported by the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government, follows a disappointing show in the Lok Sabha elections and is viewed as a strategic move ahead of tough assembly polls against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.

The 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, inspired by the Madhya Pradesh government's 'Ladli Behna Yojana,' provides a monthly stipend to married, divorced, and destitute women aged 21-60, with an annual family income ceiling of Rs 2.5 lakh. The launch event in Pune was marked by a grand display and attended by a large female audience.

(With inputs from agencies.)