Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve on Friday alleged that the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is attempting to stop various welfare schemes due to the state's poor financial condition. He claimed that Maharashtra is burdened with a debt of ₹8 lakh crore, raising concerns over the government's ability to fund public initiatives.
Addressing a press conference here, Danve said, "The financial condition of Maharashtra is not good. Before the assembly elections, the Mahayuti government announced many schemes like Ladki Bahin and Ladka Bhau. At that time, we had warned that these schemes will devastate the state's economy and that is what is happening today."
"The state is burdened with a debt of ₹8 lakh crore, and the government is now attempting to cancel welfare schemes and cut down the number of beneficiaries," he stated. Under the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, women between the ages of 21 and 65 with a family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year receive ₹1,500 per month in financial aid. Launched in August last year, the scheme is designed to empower women economically.
During the assembly poll campaign, Mahayuti leaders had promised to increase the monthly aid under the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100. However, the opposition has raised concerns over the financial viability of the scheme. Additionally, the 'Ladka Bhau' scheme, which aims to offer free vocational training to the state's youth and students, has also come under scrutiny.
Danve said, "There are no funds to pay to the beneficiaries of the Ladka Bhau scheme. There is also no money to pay to the farmers. The crop insurance scheme, which allowed farmers to insure their crops by paying a premium of just one rupee, is on the verge of closure. This is because the financial condition of the state is not good."