Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Thursday that there will be no recovery of funds allocated under the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.’ This initiative, introduced ahead of the 2024 state assembly elections, provides eligible women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500. The scheme currently benefits over 2.43 crore women, costing the state approximately Rs 3,700 crore each month.
Pawar’s assurance follows opposition allegations that the government plans to reduce the list of beneficiaries, reclaim funds disbursed to ineligible individuals, and ultimately discontinue the scheme.
“Last time, we had limited time for the verification of documents of potential beneficiaries. We wanted to link the Aadhaar of every beneficiary to the scheme but could not do so. However, there will not be any recovery of the given money,” Pawar said.
The NCP chief made his remarks at an event held at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute in Pune, where he shared the stage with Sharad Pawar, the current leader of NCP (SP). The Ladki Bahin program has been recognized as a significant factor contributing to the Mahayuti alliance’s decisive win in last year’s state elections, with plans to increase the monthly allowance to Rs 2,100.
When asked about his discussions with Sharad Pawar, the NCP chief stated, “We spoke about matters related to the sugar industry. The cooperation, excise, agriculture, and power departments are all interconnected with the sugar business. We also addressed issues pertaining to the Vasantdada Sugar Institute.” The Deputy Chief Minister added that he had assessed the operations of the agriculture department and pointed out the potential misuse of government schemes.
“When the government introduces schemes for people’s benefit, there are always some unscrupulous elements trying to take undue advantage. Similar cases seem to have occurred with the Re 1 crop insurance scheme,” he said.
Earlier, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate had said there were irregularities in the implementation of the Re 1 crop insurance scheme for farmers, noting places of worship were shown as agricultural lands to claim benefits.
On the reported friction between the Shiv Sena and the NCP over district guardian ministers, Pawar said, “It is the prerogative of the chief minister (Devendra Fadnavis) to assign the responsibility of district guardian ministers to his cabinet colleagues. He will make a decision upon his return from Davos.” PTI ND NR