The 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana', which offers Rs 1,500 monthly assistance to eligible women from economically weaker sections, is widely seen as a key factor in influencing the Mahayuti alliance’s 2024 poll mandate
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. File Pic
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday criticised the opposition for calling the Ladki Bahin scheme an election “jumla,” asserting that it is one of the state’s most significant and successful welfare initiatives, introduced during his tenure as chief minister, news agency PTI reported.
The 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana', which offers Rs 1,500 monthly assistance to eligible women from economically weaker sections, is widely seen as a key factor in influencing the Mahayuti alliance’s 2024 poll mandate.
"Among all welfare schemes, my favourite is 'Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana'. It is the most popular scheme. I decided to launch this scheme because I came from a humble background and understood the struggles of the common man", the Shiv Sena chief said while addressing a rally for local body elections in Yavatmal district.
He also stated that he had seen how his mother and wife struggled to run the family.
"After becoming chief minister, my government decided to provide financial assistance to our mothers and sisters", Shinde added.
He also said that the opposition termed the scheme a poll "jumla (gimmick)," but he ensured that money reached the accounts of women directly.
Shinde reiterated that the government will never discontinue the scheme.
Eknath Shinde urges voters to choose Shiv Sena for development, promises an end to VIP culture
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has urged people to elect his party candidates in the upcoming Maharashtra local body elections, saying a vote for his party is a vote for development and an end to "VIP culture".
Addressing a rally on Tuesday to campaign for the Shiv Sena candidate, Dr Prashant Katre, for the post of Gondia Municipal Council president, Shinde also asserted that the government's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme for women will not be discontinued, PTI reported.
"Support and elect Shiv Sena candidates, your vote for Shiv Sena is a vote for development. We want to end the VIP culture and work to bring good days for the downtrodden. For development, vote for change and elect the Shiv Sena candidate in the upcoming local body election," said Shinde.
He also noted that when he was the chief minister, his government introduced the Ladki Bahin Yojana, providing Rs 1,500 monthly assistance to women, though opposition leaders had raised doubts over its continuation.
"But I want to make it clear that the scheme is not going to be discontinued. In fact, we are planning to bring a scheme to make ladki bahin (women) empowered and self-reliant," Shinde said.
Maharashtra local body elections to various local bodies in the state are scheduled on December 2.
"It was our government that gave 50 per cent concession for women in bus travel, helped farmers and the common people through the Shetkari Sanman Yojana¸Youth Skill Development scheme and many other initiatives," he added.
Shinde, who holds charges of the urban development department, also assured that there will be no dearth of funds for the development of Gondia.
(With PTI inputs)
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