The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in Maharashtra, has become a significant political issue as the state gears up for assembly elections. This income support scheme, which provides ₹1,500 monthly to women aged 21 to 65, was introduced in August 2024 with a budget allocation of nearly ₹46,000 crore. The scheme aims to enhance women’s health and nutrition while empowering them within their families.
On October 13, 2024, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrated the beneficiaries of this scheme. They portrayed it as a success in their electoral campaign. However, the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena, and the Congress party, has raised concerns about the scheme’s financial viability.
Main Points
- 1 Full Details of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana
- 2 Political Implications
- 3 What is Ladki Bahin Yojana
- 4 Eligibility Criteria
- 5 Application Process
- 6 Documents Required
- 7 Benefits of the Scheme
- 8 Payment Schedule
- 9 Status Check
- 10 Helpline and Support
- 11 Recent Updates
- 12 Success Stories
- 13 Comparison with Other Schemes
- 14 Challenges and Implementation
- 15 Future Prospects
Full Details of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is designed to provide financial assistance to women in Maharashtra. Here are the key details:
- Objective: To offer monthly financial support to women aged 21-65.
- Amount: ₹1,500 per month.
- Launch Date: August 2024.
- Budget: Approximately ₹46,000 crore allocated for implementation.
- Beneficiaries: Estimated 2.5 crore women across the state.
- Goals: Improve health and nutrition among women and strengthen their roles in families.
Despite the government’s efforts to promote the scheme as a major achievement, opposition leaders have criticized its sustainability. Sharad Pawar has questioned the clarity of budgeting and financial provisions necessary for its long-term success. He stated that while his party does not oppose the initiative itself, it requires clear financial backing to be considered viable.
Uddhav Thackeray has also voiced strong criticism of the government’s approach. He accused it of creating misleading narratives through advertisements aimed at swaying voters ahead of elections. Thackeray suggested that the government is attempting to manipulate public sentiment by using funds that belong to the people.
In response to these criticisms, Shinde and Fadnavis have defended the scheme’s popularity. They claim that the opposition’s attempts to halt its implementation stem from fear of its success among voters. Fadnavis emphasized that women should recognize those who oppose beneficial schemes and respond accordingly at the polls.
Political Implications
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has emerged as a focal point in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The ruling Mahayuti coalition is banking on this scheme to bolster its image ahead of elections. However, internal tensions within this coalition have surfaced regarding how prominently Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is featured in promotional materials related to the scheme. Reports indicate that some advertisements omitted images of other key leaders from the coalition, leading to disputes over representation and credit.
#WATCH | Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, “There is a happy environment across Maharashtra due to Chief Minister Ladki Bahin Yojana. Our sisters started getting money in their accounts on the 14th of August…As of now, we have received around 1.5 Crore forms of our sisters..… pic.twitter.com/b9DWAkR3sd
— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2024
As assembly elections approach, both alliances are intensifying their campaigns. The MVA is leveraging local issues and past grievances against the ruling government to galvanize support. In contrast, Mahayuti is focusing on showcasing its welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana as evidence of its commitment to women’s empowerment.
What is Ladki Bahin Yojana
The Ladki Bahin Yojana is designed to empower women aged between 21 to 65 years by providing them with a monthly financial aid of ₹1,500, totaling ₹18,000 annually. The scheme primarily targets women who are married, widowed, divorced, or abandoned.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Age Limit: Women must be between 21 to 65 years old.
- Residency: Applicants should be residents of Maharashtra.
- Income Limit: The annual family income must not exceed ₹2,50,000.
- Bank Account: A bank account linked with Aadhaar is mandatory.
Application Process
The application process can be completed online or offline:
- Online Application:
- Download the Narishakti Doot App from the Google Play Store.
- Register using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Fill in the application form with required details like name, address, and bank information.
- Upload necessary documents such as Aadhaar card and income certificate.
- Submit the application.
- Offline Application:
- Obtain the application form from Anganwadi centers or Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendras.
- Fill out the form and submit it at designated centers.
Documents Required
Applicants need to provide several documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate or Ration Card
- Domicile Certificate or Birth Certificate
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Bank Account Details
Benefits of the Scheme
Eligible women will receive direct financial support through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This ensures that funds are transferred directly into their bank accounts, making it easier for beneficiaries to access their funds without intermediaries.
Payment Schedule
Payments are made monthly. Beneficiaries will receive their first payment after their application is approved. The government has streamlined this process to ensure timely disbursement.
Status Check
Applicants can check their application status online by logging into the official website or through the Narishakti Doot App. They will also receive notifications via SMS regarding their application status.
Helpline and Support
For any queries or assistance related to the Ladki Bahin Yojana, applicants can contact the helpline at 181. This service is designed to help resolve issues and provide guidance throughout the application process.
Recent Updates
The government has extended the last date for applications until September 30, 2024, due to high demand. This extension allows more women to benefit from this initiative.
Success Stories
Many beneficiaries have shared positive experiences about how this financial support has helped them improve their living conditions and pursue education or entrepreneurship. These success stories highlight the impact of financial aid on women’s empowerment in Maharashtra.
Comparison with Other Schemes
The Ladki Bahin Yojana stands out among other girl child schemes due to its focus on adult women in need of financial assistance. Unlike other initiatives that target younger girls, this scheme addresses the challenges faced by women during various life stages.
Challenges and Implementation
While the scheme has received positive feedback, some challenges remain in terms of reaching remote areas and ensuring that all eligible women are informed about the benefits available to them.
Future Prospects
As the scheme continues to evolve, there are plans for further enhancements based on feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders involved in its implementation.
