The women beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana will receive monthly financial assistance, a total of Rs 3,000 for the pending months of February and March, which will be deposited into the accounts of eligible women Today, March 7, ahead of International Women's Day 2025. Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare has given an update on Ladki Bahin Yojana 8th and 9th installment, stating that the state government has taken this decision in light of International Women’s Day, with the primary aim of providing financial support to women.
The Mahayuti-led Maharashtra government launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election campaign to give monthly financial assistance to empower economically disadvantaged women. Under this scheme, each eligible woman receives Rs 1,500 per month. However, due to some technical issues, the eighth instalment for February could not be deposited on time, causing concern among many beneficiaries. In response, the government took swift action and decided to transfer the instalments for both February and March together.
Minister Aditi Tatkare said, “On the occasion of Women’s Day, all eligible beneficiaries of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana will receive Rs 3,000 by 7th March, 2025.” Following the minister's statement, a sense of relief and joy spread among lakhs of beneficiaries. Many women had been worried due to the delay in receiving funds over the past few days, but now, the amount will be credited to their accounts within 24 to 36 hours.
Why Did the Government Backtrack on the Rs 2,100 Instalment?
During the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Mahayuti government had promised to increase the amount under the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 per month. Many women have been eagerly waiting for this increased amount. However, in the recent Maharashtra Legislative Assembly budget session, no concrete announcement was made regarding this.
When Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) MLA Anil Parab questioned the government about the increase, Minister Aditi Tatkare responded, “At present, no decision has been made to increase the instalment to Rs 2,100.”
What Lies Ahead for Women’s Financial Policies?
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was introduced to provide financial stability to women in the state. However, it remains to be seen whether the scheme will undergo further improvements in the future. While the Rs 3,000 instalment ahead of Women’s Day will bring significant relief to lakhs of women, they will have to wait a little longer for the increased amount promised under the scheme.