Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday announced that the government is considering introducing small business loan facilities under the Mazi Ladki Bahin scheme to further empower women financially.
Speaking in the assembly during the discussion on the 2025-26 budget, Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, stated that women who open an account under the Ladki Bahin scheme could soon be eligible for business loans ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000. These loans will be made available through institutions like Mumbai Bank, Maharashtra State Women’s Economic Development Corporation, and various cooperative banks.
“This move will take the scheme a step further—from providing direct financial assistance to enabling women to become self-reliant entrepreneurs,” Pawar said. He added that the loan facility would also help in better identifying beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin scheme, which currently provides ₹1,500 per month directly to women’s accounts.
The Maharashtra government has allocated approximately ₹45,000 crore annually to support women under the Mazi Ladki Bahin scheme, aiming to boost their economic independence and participation in small businesses.
