Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has given a major update on the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, which has remained in the spotlight since its announcement. The scheme, aimed at providing financial assistance to women, has been criticised by the opposition from the beginning. While the Mahayuti government had promised to increase the assistance to Rs 2,100 ahead of the state Assembly elections, there has been uncertainty over its implementation.
Addressing a campaign meeting in Taldev village of Mahabaleshwar taluka in Satara district, Eknath Shinde said the promise would be fulfilled at the right time. He was campaigning for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections across several districts of Maharashtra.
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Speaking at the meeting, Shinde said the Ladki Bahin Yojana costs the state nearly Rs 45,000 crore annually, a step which, according to him, previous governments did not have the courage to take. He said the scheme played a key role in mobilising women voters and contributed to the Mahayuti’s historic victory of 232 seats.
“There are many success stories after giving Rs 1,500 to our Ladki Bahins. At the right time, this amount will be increased to Rs 2,100. We will keep the promise made to our beloved sisters. I do what I say,” Shinde said.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that the idea for the scheme came from personal experiences, recalling his mother’s frugal life and the struggles faced by women in households.
Referring to his roots, Shinde said that while his workplace is Mumbai, his birthplace is Satara, which has a rich historical legacy. Without naming anyone, he criticised previous administrations, saying governance should be done through direct public engagement rather than online appearances.
Shinde is scheduled to campaign across Parbhani, Latur, Solapur, Dharashiv, Pune, Sangli, Satara, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts over the coming days.