Maharashtra Launches 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' Scheme for Women

The Maharashtra government will use existing data from various departments for its 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, offering Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women. This approach aims to streamline data collection and expedite fund disbursement. The initiative is part of the state's pre-election commitments.

The Maharashtra government is set to leverage existing data from various departments for its newly announced 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, an official stated.

This decision follows a high-level meeting of officials on Wednesday. The scheme, introduced ahead of the state assembly elections in October, promises Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women.

According to an official from the Women and Child Development (WCD) department, the aim is to utilize already available data to ease data collection demands. Departments like Rural Development and Food and Civil Supplies possess extensive databases of women beneficiaries from previous schemes, which they have been directed to share with the WCD.

The WCD department plans to compile this data, along with bank account details and other necessary information, and coordinate with the IT department for the disbursement of funds.

Officials acknowledge that accessing and consolidating this existing data is relatively straightforward, given its prior use in other schemes. However, new data from women enrolling in the Ladki Bahin scheme will need meticulous verification, presenting a significant challenge within the limited timeframe. Enrollment can be done via a mobile app or physical forms, which require thorough scrutiny.

To support the scheme, the Eknath Shinde government has allocated Rs 25,000 crore through supplementary demands presented during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature.

(With inputs from agencies.)