'Eligible Beneficiary Will Not Be Excluded From Ladki Scheme': Aditi Tatkare Clarifies Amid Opposition Criticism

Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare has clarified recent reports suggesting that eight lakh women beneficiaries of the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme would receive only Rs500 instead of the assured Rs1,500. Her statement follows media coverage and opposition criticism claiming that benefits were being reduced for women also enrolled in the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi scheme.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut targeted the state government, saying, “The value of a Ladki Bahin’s vote has been reduced to Rs500. Soon, the scheme will be discontinued altogether. The financial condition of the state is poor. The government is struggling to pay salaries, and in the past three and a half years, there has been a clear lack of financial discipline.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Congress MLA and former state president Nana Patole alleged, “The government has bought the votes of women by giving them Rs1,500, and now they are being cheated. Prices of essential items have gone up, burdening the same women, and now their names are being removed from welfare schemes.”

In response, Aditi Tatkare took to social media platform X to address the concerns. She clarified that as per government resolutions dated June 28, 2024, and July 3, 2024, women not receiving any other government assistance are entitled to the full Rs 1500 per month under the scheme. Women receiving benefits from other government schemes amounting to less than Rs 1500 are given the difference as an honorarium.

“In accordance with these rules, 7,74,148 women receiving Rs1,000 per month under the Namo Shetkari Yojana are being given the remaining Rs500 under the Ladki Bahin scheme,” she stated. “No eligible beneficiary has been excluded from the scheme, and no changes have been made to the process after July 3, 2024.”

Tatkare further emphasised that she had already explained this during the budget session and that the clarification is part of the official record. “Despite this, the opposition continues to spread misinformation. Either their understanding of the scheme is flawed, or they are demoralised by its overwhelming success. I am confident that my Ladki Bahins will not fall for this negative propaganda,” she added.