The Maharashtra government’s “Ladki Bahin Yojana” (Dear Sister Scheme) has been a vital initiative to empower women financially and improve their economic stability. In a significant update, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the monthly financial aid provided under this scheme will be increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100. This decision comes as part of the government’s commitment to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of women in the state. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme, the upcoming changes, and their implications.
What is the Ladki Bahin Yojana?
The Ladki Bahin Yojana was introduced with the goal of providing direct financial assistance to women in Maharashtra, particularly those from economically weaker sections. The scheme covers women across different life circumstances, including married, unmarried, widowed, and divorced individuals. It has been instrumental in helping women gain financial independence and contribute to their families’ overall well-being.
The current scheme offers ₹1,500 per month to eligible women. This amount is directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
₹2,100 Aid: The New Announcement
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently announced that the financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana would be increased to ₹2,100 per month. This enhancement is part of the government’s effort to fulfill its election promises and further support women in need.
However, the increased aid will not be immediate. According to the CM, the revised amount will be implemented after the next financial year’s budget is approved. This approach allows the government to allocate the necessary funds while ensuring the sustainability of the scheme.
Speaking about the update, CM Fadnavis stated, “The Ladki Bahin Yojana will continue. The financial assistance will be increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, but this change will take place only after the next budget cycle.”
When Will the New Aid Begin?
The enhanced financial assistance is expected to roll out in the upcoming financial year, following the approval of the state budget. This timeline ensures that the government has ample time to plan and allocate resources effectively. Beneficiaries can expect to receive the revised amount starting in the next fiscal year, subject to budget ratification.
The government has assured the public that it is committed to delivering on its promises and that the necessary preparations are underway to implement the changes smoothly.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
To ensure that the benefits reach the intended recipients, the Ladki Bahin Yojana has specific eligibility criteria. These criteria remain unchanged, even with the enhancement in financial aid. The following conditions apply:
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Age: Women between 21 and 65 years are eligible.
- Marital Status: The scheme is open to married, unmarried, widowed, divorced, and abandoned women.
- Income: The applicant’s annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
- Bank Account: Beneficiaries must have a bank account linked to their name for direct benefit transfers.
Exclusions and Beneficiary Verification
The government has also outlined exclusions to ensure that only deserving candidates benefit from the scheme. Women falling under the following categories will not qualify:
- Families where a member pays income tax.
- Families with government employees or pensioners.
- Households owning four-wheelers (excluding tractors).
- Women already benefiting from other financial assistance schemes.
- Families with current or former Members of Parliament (MPs) or Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
To prevent misuse of funds, the government will conduct a thorough verification of all applications. Speaking on this, CM Fadnavis explained that similar measures were implemented in schemes like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to ensure only eligible beneficiaries were included.
Financial Impact of the Scheme
Currently, the Ladki Bahin Yojana supports approximately 2.43 crore women in Maharashtra, with the government spending around ₹3,700 crore per month. Increasing the aid to ₹2,100 per month will significantly raise the program’s financial commitment, making it even more crucial to ensure that resources are utilized effectively.
Despite the increased fiscal responsibility, the CM reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises. “We are working on securing the necessary financial resources. Our intent is to ensure that every eligible woman benefits from this scheme,” Fadnavis assured.
Public Reaction to the Announcement
The announcement has received widespread attention, with many praising the government’s effort to provide additional support to women. Advocacy groups and beneficiaries alike have lauded the scheme as a step toward greater economic empowerment for women.
However, some concerns have been raised about the timeline for implementation. Critics argue that the delay in rolling out the enhanced aid may leave some women struggling in the interim. Additionally, there are calls for the government to simplify the application and verification process to ensure that eligible candidates do not face unnecessary delays.
Future Plans for the Scheme
Looking ahead, the government aims to expand the Ladki Bahin Yojana further, both in terms of coverage and impact. The increase in financial aid is just one part of the broader plan to empower women across Maharashtra.
The administration has also hinted at introducing additional measures to support women’s welfare, including skill development programs and initiatives to improve access to education and healthcare.
