Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed claims of fund diversion from other departments for the Ladki Bahin scheme, emphasising that no funds have been redirected and that such accusations stem from a misunderstanding of budgetary processes. He clarified that the monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 granted to eligible poor women is disbursed through the Tribal Affairs and Social Justice Departments by budgetary norms.
Fadnavis remarked that rules mandate the reservation of funds for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), with a focus on personal benefit schemes and infrastructure development. He stated that the Ladki Bahin Yojana categorically fits into personal benefit schemes, thus justifying its accounting under the aforementioned departments. He reiterated that Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, holding the finance portfolio, has already clarified these matters publicly.
Fadnavis noted that the budgets for the Tribal Affairs and Social Justice Departments have significantly increased by nearly 1.45 times for 2025-26. He asserted that the disbursement of funds related to the Ladki Bahin scheme was merely a matter of accounting and not indicative of any misappropriation.
The scheme, benefiting women aged 21-65 with an annual family income below Rs 2.5 lakh, has been attributed to the BJP-led Mahayuti's electoral success. Contrarily, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat expressed frustration over alleged unauthorised fund transfers from his department, suggesting the government should consider shutting down the Social Justice Department instead of persistently reallocating funds.
Opposition parties are accusing the Mahayuti government of wrongly allocating Rs 335 crore from the tribal department to the Women and Child Development Department for the Ladki Bahin scheme, amid previous claims of fund diversion from the Social Justice Department and allegations related to Scheduled Castes funding. Minister Sanjay Shirsat expressed his frustration over these issues. In rebuttal, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis categorically dismissed these accusations as unfounded, arguing that the critics do not grasp the budgetary process.
Fadnavis explained the budgetary rules, indicating that the allocation for tribal and Scheduled Castes should be proportionate to their population, but prioritized for schemes aimed at personal benefits. He pointed out that the Ladki Bahin Yojana fits this criterion and thus its funding should be listed under the tribal department per budget guidelines.
He highlighted that the budget for the tribal department had actually been increased, which was confirmed by State Finance Minister Ajit Pawar during the legislative session, and reiterated that no funds were misappropriated. Fadnavis extended an invitation to those puzzled by the budgeting process to consult him, noting his expertise as the author of a book on the topic. He praised Ajit Pawar for his adherence to budgetary regulations, asserting that their actions have been transparent and without any misconduct.
