From ₹1,500 to ₹500: Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Scheme Budget Cut Sparks Debate

Outlook Business Desk

Maharashtra Slashes Ladki Bahin Payouts

Maharashtra current govt cuts benefit from ₹1,500 to ₹500 for 8 lakh women in Ladki Bahin scheme. The reduction in monthly payouts has triggered political backlash and raised budget-related questions.

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Why This Cut

The financial cut could reshape welfare economics and impact spending power in a major state like Maharashtra.

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Scheme Launched To Woo Women Voters

Scheme was launched to empower women voters in the 2024 state election. Government had planned ₹1,500/month aid for 1 crore women under the Ladki Bahin scheme, targeting low-income groups.

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Only 8 Lakh to Get ₹500

Only 8 lakh women will get ₹500 major scale down from original promise. The state has restricted benefits to a small fraction of the intended beneficiaries, citing fund constraints.

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Fiscal Pressure Drives Benefit Cut

Budget balancing behind the move, officials say the cut helps manage the scheme within the ₹46,000 crore welfare budget for FY25.

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Payout Cut Signals Fiscal Stress

Reduced payouts raise budget allocation questions. Sharp deviation from ₹1,500/month plan to ₹500/month signals challenges in executing large-scale welfare within Maharashtra’s fiscal limits.

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Experts Flag Low Impact

Lower aid reduces buying power. Economists note that ₹500 may have little impact amid rising inflation and basic cost-of-living expenses.

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