The Maharashtra government has given over Rs 17,500 crores to 2.38 crore women through the Ladki Bahin Yojana by December 2024, just five months after starting the program. This information was shared in the government’s Economic Survey report presented in the assembly.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in August 2023 by the previous Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, helps eligible women receive Rs 1,500 every month directly into their bank accounts. This program supports women aged 21 to 65, aiming to boost their jobs and help them become more independent. It also focuses on improving health and nutrition for women and the children who rely on them.
This scheme was important in helping the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, to win 230 out of 288 assembly seats in the November 2024 elections. During the campaign, Mahayuti leaders promised to raise the monthly support from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100.
However, some opposition members have questioned whether this program is financially possible, especially since Maharashtra has a big deficit of Rs 2 lakh crore.
As of March 2024, there are over 16 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) in Maharashtra. Many of these groups are for women, helping them save and get loans. In the year 2024-25, women SHGs borrowed around Rs 10,475 crores and saved Rs 1,404 crores.
The report also mentioned that the Maharashtra State Commission for Women received complaints about various issues, including marriage problems, harassment, and crimes against women. The rate of crimes against women has slightly increased from 75 per 1 lakh in 2022 to 77 per lakh in 2023.
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