“Ladki Bahin Aid to Continue, December Instalment on Nov 20,” assures CM Shinde

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 18th Nov. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Monday that beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana would receive the December instalment of ₹1,500 on November 20, coinciding with the conclusion of voting for the state assembly elections.

The Ladki Bahin Yojana, aimed at empowering women with an annual family income of less than ₹2.5 lakh, has been a key campaign promise of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The alliance has pledged to increase the monthly aid to ₹2,100 if it retains power.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, “When I introduced the Ladki Bahin scheme, my goal was to empower women. Anticipating opposition tactics to derail it, I ensured advance payments till November. Beneficiaries will receive the December instalment as soon as voting wraps up and the model code of conduct is relaxed.”

The Election Commission’s model code of conduct, enforced since October 15 following the announcement of poll dates for Maharashtra and Jharkhand, currently limits new government initiatives.

The opposition has raised questions about the financial sustainability and longevity of the scheme. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar criticized the scheme during a rally in Ahilyanagar, alleging that it would be discontinued after the elections.

The results of the Maharashtra assembly polls will be declared on November 23, with the Mahayuti alliance banking on schemes like Ladki Bahin Yojana to bolster its chances of retaining power.