Funds transferred to 17 million beneficiaries of Ladki Bahin scheme: CM Shinde
Shinde also criticised the opposition for criticising the plan, which he claimed had broken records. | File photo: PTI
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the reach of the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme will be expanded to 2.5 crore women, while the state government has so far transferred money to the bank accounts of 1.7 crore beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister launched the second phase of the scheme at the Reshimbagh site in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Minister Nitin Gadkari and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Aditi Tatkare.
“We were not born with a golden spoon. We belong to the family of farmers. Having experienced poverty, we understood why a scheme like this was needed. We know the value of Rs 1,500,” Shinde said.
The Ladki Bahin programme provides monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to married, divorced and needy women between the ages of 21 and 60 years with an annual family income ceiling of Rs 2.5 lakh.
The Chief Minister said that in the first phase of the programme, the state government deposited money into the bank accounts of 1.7 crore women.
“Today we have transferred money to the bank accounts of 52 lakh women and we are ensuring that the remaining funds are disbursed as soon as possible,” he said, adding that the aim is to extend the benefits to 2.5 crore women.
Shinde also hit out at the opposition for criticizing the plan, which he said had broken records.
“This government is not taking money, it is giving money. The opposition had earlier claimed that the money would not reach people’s bank accounts. However, now that the beneficiaries are receiving money, they are asking them to withdraw it quickly,” he said.
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First publication: Aug 31, 2024 | 7:22 PM IST