Ajit Pawar emphasised that this initiative is part of the government’s broader agenda to promote gender equality and support women’s economic independence. The scheme is expected to benefit thousands of women across the state, contributing to their financial security and overall well-being.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, presenting the state Budget for 2024–25, announced a new financial assistance scheme. Under the “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,” eligible women aged 21 to 60 will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500. The scheme is set to begin in July, ahead of the October state elections.
“We are announcing Mukhyanantri Majhi Ladki Bahin (CM My Beloved Sister). Under this, all women will be given Rs 1500 per month. Scheme will be implemented from July 2024,” said Ajit Pawar.
Budgetary allocation
Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, stated that an annual budget of Rs 46,000 crore has been allocated for this initiative, reflecting the government’s commitment to women’s welfare.
Free cooking gas cylinders
In another significant announcement, the “Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana” will provide three free cooking gas cylinders each year to eligible families of five, further supporting household needs.
Ajit Pawar unveiled major welfare schemes in the Maharashtra Budget, including a monthly allowance for women and free gas cylinders for families, with substantial budgetary support to enhance social welfare ahead of the upcoming state elections.
An annual budgetary allocation of Rs 46,000 crore will be made for the scheme, he said. Announcing another welfare scheme, the finance minister said an eligible family of five will get three cooking gas cylinders free every year under the ‘Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana’.
In a move aimed at providing financial assistance to women below the poverty line, the Maharashtra government, according to some reports, is likely to announce a new scheme offering a monthly cash transfer of ₹1,500.
According to an ET Now report, this announcement is expected during the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra State Assembly, which is being held in Mumbai from June 27 to July 12.
The scheme, which may be introduced as part of the budget, aims to benefit approximately one crore women across the state.
This initiative is seen as a strategic step by the government, potentially swaying the electorate in its favour ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
This new scheme in Maharashtra appears to be inspired by the successful ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme in Madhya Pradesh.
Under the ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme, the Madhya Pradesh government deposits ₹1,250 monthly into the accounts of
women.
Introduced by then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the scheme has gained popularity and contributed to the BJP’s victory in Madhya Pradesh, where the party secured all 29 Lok Sabha seats.
This proposed scheme follows a series of initiatives by the Eknath Shinde-led government to support women and girls in Maharashtra.
In 2023, the government introduced the Lek Ladki scheme in the state budget, aimed at encouraging families with yellow and orange ration cards to educate their daughters.
Additionally, the 2023-24 Budget announced a 50% travel concession for women on state transport buses.
In March 2024, the Shinde government unveiled a women’s policy, the fourth in the state so far, focusing on eight objectives including health, education, ending gender-based violence, and encouraging the political participation of women.
