Ladki Bahin Yojana: Financial Empowerment for Women During Rakshabandhan

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the first instalment of the Ladki Bahin Yojana will be released during the Rakshabandhan festival. This scheme offers Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women aged 21-60, with a family income cap of Rs 2.5 lakh. Major investments and employment opportunities were also highlighted in Gadchiroli.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the first instalment of the Ladki Bahin Yojana would be released during the Rakshabandhan festival next month. Accompanied by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis was in Gadchiroli district for the foundation stone laying ceremony for Surjagad Ispat Pvt Ltd.

'We are working towards releasing the first instalment of the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' during the Rakshabandhan festival from August 15 to August 19,' Fadnavis informed media persons after the event. Under the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, married, divorced, and destitute women aged 21-60 will receive Rs 1,500 per month, with the annual family income of beneficiaries capped at Rs 2.5 lakh.

The Rakshabandhan festival will be celebrated on August 19. Amid opposition demands to extend the cut-off date for registration beyond July 15, Fadnavis assured that applicants submitting forms by August 31 would receive instalments for both July and August next month. 'We will ensure that no one is left out from the scheme's ambit,' he added.

Fadnavis also highlighted the potential of Gadchiroli district, part of which is affected by Left Wing Naxalism, stating it would contribute 30 percent of Maharashtra's finished steel production due to significant investments. The upcoming steel plant at Vadlapeth, with an investment of Rs 10,000 crore, will generate employment for 7,000 people. 'The project will have a capacity of 8 million tonnes of steel production,' Fadnavis mentioned, adding that the Lloyds Steel plant would have a 12 million tonne capacity.

Moreover, Fadnavis discussed an upcoming Rs 35,000 crore investment in Chamorshi, Gadchiroli, expected to generate employment for 20,000 people. 'Gadchiroli district is changing fast and will be transformed from a laggard to a leading district in the state,' he stated.

The Ladki Bahin Yojana, recently announced by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in the state budget, is being emphasized by ruling allies Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP as they prepare for the upcoming assembly elections.

A government resolution for the scheme specifies that the annual family income of beneficiaries must not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh, and beneficiaries must have a bank account, Aadhaar/ration card, and state domicile.

(With inputs from agencies.)