Mumbai: The installment for February 2025 under the Ladki Bahin scheme will be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts by March 7, just before International Women’s Day (March 8), as announced by Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare.
This initiative provides ₹1,500 monthly to women aged 21-65 from families with annual incomes under ₹2.5 lakh. Tatkare confirmed the government’s commitment to the scheme, stating that disbursement will commence on March 5 and the March installment will also be credited before the month ends.
Tatkare Dismisses Claims On Discontinuation Of Scheme
Tatkare dismissed opposition claims regarding the discontinuation of the scheme and insisted that 80 lakh women are not at risk of exclusion. On International Women’s Day, special programmes are planned, and the February installment will be disbursed on that day.
While questioned about raising the monthly payout from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, promised during last year's Assembly elections, Tatkare stated that decisions would be made by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers.
Minister reaffirmed the program’s success, highlighting that 2.5 crore women had benefited from it, implying that opposition concerns stem from their frustration at this achievement.
Ladki Bahin Latest Installment
The January installment of Ladki Bahin Yojana has started coming into the accounts of women. Under this ambitious scheme of the Maharashtra government, Finance Minister Ajit Pawar had assured to pay the installment by January 26. The seventh installment of January is being deposited from the night of January 24.
Under the scheme, eligible women are given Rs 1500 every month. So far six installments have been deposited. Women have been advised to check their bank accounts linked to Aadhaar. If SMS is not received, check the statement from the bank app or branch. In the future, after a proposal in the budget session, it is planned to increase this amount to Rs 2100.
Four Thousand Women Pull Out From Ladki Bahin Scheme
Prior to the verification initiative aimed at removing women who do not fulfill the eligibility requirements from the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, over four thousand women statewide have applied for 'no scheme'.
As per high-ranking officials from the Women and Child Development Department, local government offices are receiving applications to halt the scheme's benefits. This 'retraction of applications' appears to be occurring because of the concern over having to repay the benefit amount received, along with a fine, if they are deemed ineligible during the verification process.
