Ajit Pawar's ₹7.20-lakh crore Maha Budget allocates ₹36,000-cr for Ladki Bahin scheme

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar tabled a Rs 7.20-lakh crore Maharashtra Budget for fiscal year 2025-26 in the state assembly on Monday, allocating Rs 36,000 crore to implement the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which was mentioned in its election poll manifesto.

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The deputy chief minister announced that the financial benefits under the scheme have been provided to approximately 2.53 crore women since July 2024, with Rs 33,232 crore already spent while presenting the state budget.

However, the government did not mention an increase in the monthly allowance from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, a promise made by the ruling Mahayuti coalition before the 2024 assembly elections. Later, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the hike would be implemented once the fiscal balance improves, but not immediately from April onwards.

Presenting the budget, Pawar said, "I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support to Maharashtra. This government came to power largely due to the Ladki Bahin (Beloved Sisters) scheme".