Maharashtra’s Fiscal Deficit Rises, ₹2,100 Ladki Bahin Scheme Payout Uncertain Ahead Of Budget

Mumbai: Amid a significant rise in Maharashtra’s fiscal deficit, as highlighted in the recent Economic Survey, the state government may need to implement strict measures to manage its debt. Consequently, the promised Rs 2,100 under the Ladki Bahin scheme is unlikely to be included in this year’s budget.

Maharashtra’s debt stock, which includes outstanding loans and other liabilities, is expected to increase to Rs 7,82,991 crore in 2024-25, up from Rs 7,11,278 crore in 2023-24, marking a 10% rise.

On Wednesday, while the discussion on the calling attention motion about the Ladki Bahin scheme was underway, minister for women and child development Aditi Tatkare informed that the payments for January and February under the scheme would be made on March 8, Women’s Day.

When the opposition raised the question of when the promised Rs 2,100 would be provided, Tatkare responded, “We made the promise of Rs 2,100 in our manifesto. A manifesto is valid for five years. When the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister decide to give Rs 2,100, our department will release the funds.”

The state budget, set for March 10, has sparked skepticism over whether the promised Rs 2,100 under the Ladki Bahin scheme will be included, following Aditi Tatkare’s recent statement.

The state’s poor financial condition, worsened by the Ladki Bahin scheme, has created a revenue deficit of over Rs 2 lakh crore. Nearly 15 lakh women have been deemed ineligible for the scheme, with the number expected to rise to 25 lakh.

Approximately Rs 900 crore has already been distributed to ineligible beneficiaries. This has fueled doubts about the feasibility of providing Rs 2,100 under the scheme. While Tatkare’s statement has shed some light, the full picture will only emerge on March 10, when the budget is presented.