Mahayuti Mulls Changes to Ladki Bahin Scheme After Win”

Following the Mahayuti alliance’s victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, which was largely attributed to the success of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, reports indicate that officials are reassessing the scheme’s financial sustainability. The scheme, which provides Rs 1,500 monthly payments to economically disadvantaged women, may face challenges due to the inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries, such as women with incomplete Aadhaar seeding or missing ration cards.

Finance Minister Ajit Pawar raised concerns about the strain on state finances, stressing the need for fiscal discipline. While the scheme initially aimed to assist 25 million women, the number has been revised to 24.3 million, with nearly 10 million women deemed ineligible.

The Ladki Bahin Yojana played a key role in boosting voter turnout, particularly among women, contributing to the gender gap reduction in the election. However, officials warn that without adjustments, the scheme could affect salary disbursements by January 2025.

Meanwhile, the BJP plans to bring a similar women-focused scheme to Delhi ahead of the February 2024 elections, taking inspiration from Maharashtra’s initiative.

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