Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has raised concerns that state’s popular women welfare program, Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin is affecting the funding of other important government schemes. Speaking to reporters Bhujbal said that the Ladki Bahin scheme aims to support women financially but it is putting heavy pressure on the state’s budget.
The eligible women for ladki bahin across the state receive ₹1,500 every month directly into their bank accounts. The initiative was launched to empower women and improve their financial independence. Bhujbal stated that the scheme costs nearly ₹40,000 to ₹45,000 crore every year leaving fewer funds available for other essential welfare programs.
He explained that several other social schemes are now struggling due to limited financial resources. One such scheme, Anandacha Shidha provides festival food kits at subsidised prices to families with saffron ration cards. This program usually costs around ₹500 crore during major festivals like Diwali and benefits more than 1.5 crore people. Bhujbal warned that such schemes may have to be reduced or even stopped if the current spending pattern continues.
Another program facing financial strain is the Shiv Bhojan Thali initiative, which offers affordable meals to people from low-income groups. This may also be stopped.
Despite his warnings ,other leaders in the Maharashtra government have assured that the Ladki Bahin scheme will not be discontinued. They said that each scheme has its own budget and no funds have been taken from other programs. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar also confirmed that the government remains committed to continuing the Ladki Bahin scheme as it directly benefits women and their families.
These remarks are rising questions on balancing welfare spending. Many agree that helping women is essential but it should not come at the cost of other important social programs that support the poor and needy across the state.
