Maharashtra Government Announces Special Gift for Women on International Women's Day

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu):In a move to empower women, the Maharashtra government has announced a special gift for women beneficiaries of the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Behen Yojana' on the occasion of International Women's Day. The government has decided to release the installments of February and March 2025 together, resulting in a total payment of Rs 3,000 to each beneficiary. Currently, women covered under the scheme receive an installment of Rs 1,500 every month. Before the assembly elections, the government had promised to increase this installment to Rs 2,100. However, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare stated that no official announcement has been made regarding this hike, and it will be announced at the right time. The 'Ladli Behan Yojana' has benefited 2 crore 46 lakh women in December 2024, with each receiving Rs 1,500.

However, in January 2025, the number of beneficiary women decreased by 5 lakh to 2 crore 41 lakh after the verification of eligibility began. So far, about 9 lakh women have been excluded from the scheme, resulting in the state government saving Rs 1,620 crore. To be eligible for the scheme, women must be between the ages of 21 and 65, with a family annual income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh. The government has promised to increase the assistance to Rs 2,100 in the future, which will be considered at the appropriate time.