Maharashtra Government Launches Ladki Bahin Yojana with Initial Rs 3,000 Trial Transfer
The Maharashtra state government is fully geared to implement a new scheme, known as Ladki Bahin Yojana, for the empowerment of women. The scheme was announced by the Department of Women and Child Development, which has just initiated the trial transfer of Rs 3,000 into the bank accounts of some recipients, covering two months under this financial assistance. It is an initiative one step ahead towards Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides huge economic support for underprivileged women living in the state.
Financial Details of the Scheme
Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, ladies falling under the economically weaker sections will be provided with a stipend amounting to Rs 1,500 each month. Their age should be between 21 to 65 years. It is part of the Maharashtra government’s initiatives on women’s welfare, ahead of the assembly elections likely in October. According to the budget presented at the end of June, it would require an annual financial outlay of Rs 46,000 crore and likely to benefit about 1.35 crore women in the state.
Eligibility Criteria
The woman should have a family income less than Rupees 2.5 lakh per annum. She will then be entitled to a monthly stipend. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, “We are living by words. We had promised that we would transfer Rs 3,000 as a two-month installment for women beneficiaries whose bank account details have been scrutinized.”
Launch Timeline and Trial Transfers
The Ladki Bahin Yojana will be officially launched on August 17, and a majority of the eligible women are expected to get the first two installments of Rs 3,000. Although trial transfers have started by the government, it remains tight-lipped about the number of beneficiaries included in this test run. But the step is important to ensure the smooth running of the scheme.
Political Reactions and Criticisms
Like many other government schemes, Ladki Bahin Yojana has its share of supporters and critics across political camps. Opponents termed the scheme a “poll gimmick” and demanded to know whether the government had assessed the financial viability and the arrangement for its long-term sustainability. Chief Minister Shinde called upon the women to beware of such critics and asked them not to get swayed by their negative propaganda against the scheme. He commented, “It is my appeal to women that they should keep distance from such stepbrothers who are raising fingers over this scheme.”
Notably, the opposition leaders tried to oppose the scheme on legal grounds as well by knocking on the doors of Bombay High Court, but their move was successfully foiled when the court turned down their plea.
Support of BJP Leaders
Despite all the criticism, BJP leaders have now come out to express their solidarity with the initiative. Dharashiv district MLA Ranajagjitsinha Patil shared several screenshots of SMS notifications that confirmed successful transfers of funds to beneficiaries’ bank accounts under the scheme. “Money has started coming in under the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,” said officials of the ruling BJP, projecting a positive reception of the initial transfers.
Process of Implementation and Future Plans
Women and Child Development Minister of Maharashtra, Aditi Tatkare, pointed out that the officials were working hard to make the scheme a success. A review meeting chaired by her with the officials discussed issues pertaining to the registration process and scrutiny of forms submitted online and offline by women who would like to benefit from the program.
The government had fixed August 31 as the deadline for registration. Now, in a move of inclusiveness, this deadline has been extended. Now, all the women who become eligible after August 31 shall also become entitled to get Rs 1,500 as a stipend per month in their banks.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Women Empowerment
Ladki Bahin Yojana, thus, becomes a serious commitment of the Maharashtra government towards the economic and social empowerment of women. The idea also bears a broader connotation of achieving gender equality and women empowerment in the state by aiding financial distress among underprivileged women.
With the formal date of inauguration closing in, the government is getting keen on having a smooth implementation process that reaches out to maximum beneficiaries. Though political debates will carry on regarding this initiative, the immediate financial help given to women will definitely bring about a change in their lives and hence go on to reinforce the government’s commitment to uplift women of Maharashtra.
A continuous attempt at simplification of the registration process and a longer period for receiving applications make Ladki Bahna Yojana a hopeful sign toward greater economic independence for women in the state.
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