MUMBAI: State agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate on Sunday admitted that the flagship Mukhya Mantri Ladki Bahin scheme which gives a stipend of Rs 1500 per month to underprivileged women in the state had put some pressure on the treasury.
When asked about the state’s financial condition at a press conference, Kokate said, “It is neither good nor bad. As a result of our women and sisters, there is a little pressure on the treasury.”
He said that as a result, the Mahayuti’s pre-election promise of a loan waiver for farmers would get a little delayed. “This may be delayed a little bit but as soon as there is an increase in resources, it will be given.”
However, he pointed out that the government had provided Rs 15,000 crore to farmers in terms of electricity bill waivers.
When asked if the beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin scheme would have to give up the benefits under the Namo Mahasanmman Yojana, Kokate said, women would eventually have to decide between the two schemes. “The Ladki Bahin scheme has been very beneficial to women and given them financial independence but finally, it’s not possible to take benefits from two government schemes. The women will finally have to decide between the two schemes.”
Kokate also admitted that the government “needed women” for the elections. When asked if the wages of labourers had increased as a result of the Ladki Bahin scheme, he said, “The wages would have increased in any case. Does this mean men should depend only on women and not work? We needed women for the election. But that does not mean men should not work.”
The state government is in the process of scrutinising the beneficiaries of the scheme to remove those who do not fit within its parameters. For instance, those whose family income no longer amounts to Rs 2.5 lakh per year or whose family owns a four-wheeler will no longer be eligible for the scheme.
NCP (Sharad Pawar group) leader Jayant Patil said the state government should not change the parameters of the scheme. “Women voted for this government on the basis of the scheme. If the government changes its parameters, they will get upset,” he pointed out.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “While giving the Ladki Bahin stipend, was the government not aware that there were some discrepancies? They gave the stipend and now that the election is over, they want to take the money back. The state is facing a massive deficit. There is not enough money for the salaries of teachers and the government.”
