The Maharashtra government has ignited fresh controversy by diverting Rs 410.30 crore from the Social Justice Department to the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, as per a government resolution issued on 31 July 2025. This marks the second such reallocation within a few months, following a previous transfer of Rs 1,827.70 crore from the Social Justice and Tribal Development Departments to the Women and Child Welfare Department. The decision, justified as aligning with approved plans, has raised alarms about cuts to welfare schemes for Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. With Raksha Bandhan on 9 August approaching, speculation is rife that the state plans to distribute Rs 3,000 to women beneficiaries as a festive gift, covering July and August payments.
The latest diversion follows an earlier instance in 2025, where Rs 410.30 crore from the Scheduled Castes sub-plan and Rs 335.70 crore from the Tribal Development Department, totalling Rs 746 crore, were redirected to the Ladki Bahin scheme. These repeated reallocations have sparked criticism for undermining essential welfare programmes for SCs and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
This comes just a day after a meeting between Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Shirsat, had previously opposed a similar fund diversion, however, this time around he is yet to issue a statement.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab has openly challenged Shirsat to break his silence. “Shirsat is silent now because he knows that if he speaks out, his ministerial position could be at risk. I challenge him to come forward and raise his voice against this decision,” Parab stated.
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in August 2024 by the Maharashtra government, is a flagship initiative providing Rs 1,500 monthly to women aged 21–65 from families with an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh, aiming to foster economic independence and improve health and nutrition. Despite its popularity, which significantly contributed to the Mahayuti alliance’s 2024 election victory, the scheme has faced significant challenges. Over 14,000 men were mistakenly included as beneficiaries, receiving funds due to errors in the application process, were recently removed. The state’s decision to exclude women whose husbands are income taxpayers or government employees further reduced the beneficiary count from 2.5 crore to 1.5 crore, drawing criticism for limiting the scheme’s reach. Additionally, delays in disbursing payments, such as the April 2025 instalment, and repeated diversions of funds from other welfare departments have fuelled accusations of mismanagement, undermining the scheme’s credibility despite its ambitious goals.
