The Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana remains a key topic of discussion in Maharashtra, as it played a crucial role in the formation of BJP-led Mahayuti government in the state. During the 2024 Assembly election campaign, the alliance had promised in its manifesto to provide Rs 2,100 per month to women beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme after the budget session. Women across the state are now eagerly awaiting its implementation.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state budget, raising expectations that the scheme’s beneficiaries would receive the promised amount. However, no such announcement was made. Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare later addressed the issue in the Assembly, stating that a decision on providing Rs 2,100 assistance would be taken at an appropriate time.
"All women responded enthusiastically to the "Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana " scheme, launched to economically empower all mothers and sisters in Maharashtra and strengthen their wings," said Aditi Tatkare.
"Before the model code of conduct for the assembly elections came into effect, i.e. in October 2024, the number of beneficiaries of this scheme was around 2 crore 33 lakh 64 thousand. After the assembly elections, i.e. in February 2025, the number of these beneficiaries has increased to around 2 crore 47 lakh. This means that the number of beneficiaries has increased by around 14 lakh after the elections," Tatkare said. MLAs Rohit Pawar and Varun Sardesai had raised questions regarding the scheme’s implementation.
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She also clarified that women receiving benefits under the NaMo Samman Yojana would not be eligible for the Ladki Bahini Yojana. However, such women would receive Rs 1,000 from the NaMo Samman Yojana and Rs 500 from the Ladki Bahini Yojana. During his speech, Ajit Pawar stated that Rs 33.23 lakh crore had already been spent under the scheme, and a budgetary provision of Rs 36 lakh crore has been made for the upcoming year. He also mentioned that 24 lakh women are expected to get married in the coming year.
Dissatisfied with the response, opposition members sought permission to ask further questions. However, the Speaker denied their request, leading to protests and a walkout by the opposition.
Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar said, "When are you going to give the 2100 rupees? Will you give it or not? The government either says yes or no, but it cannot even give a clear answer, because they have no intention of giving it..."
On the opposition's protest over the non-disbursement of the 2100 installment of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana to women, BJP MLA Ram Kadam said, "These are the people who never gave even a single rupee to the Ladli Behin, and during COVID, they even stole the medicines. Now, they want to teach us? We are giving 1500, and with their blessings, we will increase it to even more than 2100 in the future."