Mumbai: In a move likely to trigger political uproar, around 8 lakh women in Maharashtra under the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme will now receive only Rs 500 per month instead of the promised Rs 1,500. The state government reportedly cited overlap with another scheme, the Namo Shetkari Yojana, as the reason for the reduction, stating that beneficiaries of one government scheme cannot avail full benefits under another.
According to a report by TV9 Marathi, the women who are already receiving payments under the Namo Shetkari Yojana will now be given the remaining balance amount from the Rs 1,500, which works out to Rs 500 in most cases. The move has affected thousands of families across the state, with many raising concerns about being misled during the scheme’s launch.
Sanjay Raut Slams Mahayuti Govt
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut slammed the ruling government, stating that this is nothing short of betrayal. “The sisters who were promised Rs 1,500 for their votes are now being given just Rs 500. Tomorrow, even that amount might disappear. These women must now question those in power,” Raut said.
He further alleged that the state is suffering from a severe financial crisis. “The government doesn’t even have funds to pay its employees. Despite all the chest-thumping by Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s economic situation is in shambles. The last three and a half years of fiscal mismanagement have pushed the state into an abyss of financial anarchy,” he said.
Raut Alleges Rift Within Mahayuti Partners
Raut also touched upon the rift within the ruling alliance, pointing out that CM Eknath Shinde had reportedly complained to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Deputy CM Ajit Pawar not clearing files or releasing funds. “What does it mean when Shinde says ‘we’re not getting funds’? Is he talking about the MLAs who joined him for money and power? Are they now expecting open access to loot the treasury?” Raut asked.
He also hinted that if the conversation between Shah and Shinde becomes public, it would expose the reality of the government’s internal dynamics. “Earlier leaks haven’t been denied. There’s a lot that the people of Maharashtra deserve to know,” he added.
With the monthly allowance slashed and rising public discontent, the state government may have to brace for backlash ahead of upcoming elections. Meanwhile, opposition leaders continue to use the issue to highlight what they describe as broken promises and economic misgovernance.
