The Maharashtra government is set to review the beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Scheme, a welfare initiative launched before the recent State elections. Women receiving ₹1,500 per month under this scheme will now have to meet specific eligibility criteria to continue availing of the benefits. The move comes as the financial burden of the scheme on the State exchequer continues to mount.
The BJP-led alliance government had introduced the Ladki Bahin Scheme as part of a sweeping welfare package announced during its last budget. In a bid to win over voters, Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented a ₹6,12,293 crore budget that included provisions for three free LPG cylinders per year for below poverty line (BPL) families, free electricity for farmers, and a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 for women under the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
The Ladki Bahin scheme played a pivotal role in the BJP alliance’s State election campaign, helping the ruling coalition secure a decisive victory. With 2.47 crore women benefiting from the scheme, it became a cornerstone of the government’s outreach efforts. However, sustaining the scheme has proven costly, with an estimated annual expenditure of ₹46,000 crore. In light of the mounting financial pressure, the State government is now keen to reduce the number of beneficiaries by applying stricter eligibility criteria.
Under the scheme, eligible women between the ages of 21 and 65 receive ₹1,500 per month. During the election campaign, then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had promised to more than double this amount, offering ₹3,000 per month if the government retained power. While the scheme undoubtedly contributed to the government’s electoral success, experts are raising concerns about its long-term viability.
In response to these concerns, the government has decided to scrutinise the beneficiary list to ensure only eligible women continue to receive aid. Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare confirmed that the review process has begun after reports surfaced that some ineligible women were receiving benefits.
The government’s move to tighten eligibility criteria could significantly reduce the financial strain on the State budget. However, it also risks alienating some voters who had placed their faith in the ruling alliance’s welfare promises.