Ladki Bahin Scheme: Shinde Reaffirms Commitment to Amid Election Campaign
Ladki Bahin Scheme: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has sought to address ongoing questions around the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship welfare programme that has drawn sustained political attention since its launch. Speaking during an election campaign event, Shinde reiterated that the government remains committed to increasing the financial assistance offered under the scheme, while stressing that the decision would be implemented at an appropriate time.
Background of the Ladki Bahin Yojana
The Ladki Bahin Yojana was introduced with the stated objective of providing direct financial support to women across the state. Since its announcement, the scheme has been both praised for its intent and criticised by opposition parties, who have questioned its fiscal sustainability. The Mahayuti alliance, which currently governs Maharashtra, had earlier indicated that the monthly assistance under the scheme would be raised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 ahead of the Assembly elections, a promise that has since been closely scrutinised.
Assurance on Financial Increase
Addressing a gathering in Taldev village in the Mahabaleshwar taluka of Satara district, Shinde said the government would honour its commitment to beneficiaries. While he did not specify a timeline, he emphasised that the increase in assistance would be carried out when conditions were suitable. His remarks were made in the context of campaigning for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, which are being held across several districts in the state.
Cost and Political Impact of the Scheme
Shinde highlighted the scale of the programme, noting that the Ladki Bahin Yojana requires an annual expenditure of approximately Rs 45,000 crore from the state exchequer. He described the initiative as a bold policy decision, suggesting that earlier administrations had hesitated to undertake welfare measures of this magnitude. According to him, the scheme resonated strongly with women voters and played a significant role in mobilising their support during recent elections.
Electoral Significance and Public Response
Referring to the Mahayuti alliance’s electoral performance, Shinde said the support received from women beneficiaries contributed to the coalition’s decisive victory, in which it secured 232 Assembly seats. He pointed to what he described as numerous positive outcomes reported by women receiving the existing Rs 1,500 assistance, indicating that the programme had begun to make a tangible difference in household finances.
Personal Motivation Behind the Initiative
The Deputy Chief Minister also spoke about the personal experiences that influenced the conception of the scheme. He recalled his mother’s life of restraint and the everyday challenges faced by women managing household responsibilities with limited resources. These experiences, he said, helped shape his understanding of the economic pressures on women and informed the government’s decision to prioritise direct financial support.
Remarks on Governance and Public Engagement
Touching on his personal background, Shinde noted that while his official responsibilities are centred in Mumbai, his roots lie in Satara, a region known for its historical and cultural significance. Without referring to any specific individuals, he offered a broader critique of past governance styles, arguing that effective administration requires direct engagement with citizens rather than distant or purely digital interaction.
Upcoming Campaign Schedule
Shinde is expected to continue his campaign over the coming days, with planned visits to districts including Parbhani, Latur, Solapur, Dharashiv, Pune, Sangli, Satara, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Raigad and Ratnagiri. The outreach is aimed at strengthening organisational support ahead of local body elections, as well as reinforcing the government’s welfare agenda among voters.