NT Survey: Majority Thinks Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojna Not Good For The Nation
Maharashtra, India: Maharashtra Government's ‘Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin’ scheme, promising to provide over one crore eligible women in the state with ₹1,500 per month. The scheme, launched on August 17,and has already seen some women receiving ₹3,000, covering the months of July and August, for trial round.
According to a survey by Nagpur Trends, 60% of the Nagpur population expressed disappointment with the scheme. While some people are pleased about the ₹1,500 monthly stipend promised to over one crore women, many are criticizing the scheme's execution and credibility. Concerns are being raised about the scheme's sustainability—how long can the government afford to provide this financial assistance? If the government truly has the funds to give this amount to every woman in Maharashtra, why are the state's streets in such poor condition? Issues like a lack of maintenance, disrupted law and order, and other problems are evident.
The scheme is modeled after the ‘Ladli Behna Yojana’ introduced by the previous government in Madhya Pradesh. While it aims to support underprivileged women with an annual family income cap of ₹2.5 lakh for those aged 21 to 65, the scheme comes with a huge amount of ₹46,000 crore annually for the state. Critics argue that this significant financial commitment could have been more thoughtfully planned, especially considering the state's current economic challenges.
Furthermore, the scheme's sudden launch and the decision to backdate payments to July have raised eyebrows. This backdating means that eligible women will receive an initial installment of ₹3,000, covering two months. While presented as a financial boon, the timing, just ahead of likely Assembly polls in October or November, suggests that the government might be using the scheme as a political tool to garner votes rather than addressing long-term socioeconomic needs.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s statement urging women to beware of opposition criticism further hints at the scheme being more of a political maneuver than a genuine attempt to uplift women. Describing the financial aid as a Raksha Bandhan gift, he dismisses legitimate concerns about the sustainability and long-term impact of the scheme. With just providing financial assistance, the underprivileged could have been given opportunities to learn how to start a business, empowering them to earn their own income and become self-sufficient.
The government's rush to launch the scheme, combined with the significant financial implications, raises questions about whether this is truly a planned initiative or just another election gimmick. With Women's and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare still reviewing the registration process and the applications, it remains unclear how effectively the funds will be distributed and managed.
