In a significant move, the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday (December 20) approved supplementary demands worth Rs 33,788.40 crore. Among the allocations, Rs 1,400 crore has been earmarked for the state government?s flagship welfare scheme, Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which aims to empower women from economically weaker sections.
The supplementary demands were tabled earlier this week by Minister Uday Samant and passed in the Lower House following a detailed debate. This additional funding builds on the Rs 46,000 crore provision made in the state?s last budget for the scheme. The initiative benefits over 2.5 crore women with annual family incomes below Rs 2.5 lakh, providing them with a monthly aid of Rs 1,500. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently announced plans to increase this aid to Rs 2,100.
Key Allocations in the Supplementary Budget
The supplementary demands also include:
- Rs 36 crore for constructing a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort, Malwan, Sindhudurg district.
- Rs 1,204 crore for margin money loans to eligible sugar cooperative factories.
- Rs 3,050 crore for the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Scheme, offering free electricity to farmers.
- Rs 7,490 crore for the Public Works Department (PWD).
- Rs 4,112 crore for Industry, Power, and Labour departments.
- Rs 2,774 crore for Urban Development.
- Rs 2,007 crore for Rural Development.
- Rs 1,830 crore for Tribal Development.
Supplementary demands serve as additional allocations beyond the state?s budgetary provisions to meet unforeseen expenditures.
Political Impact of the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana'
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attributed the Mahayuti alliance?s resounding victory in the state assembly polls to initiatives like the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The Mahayuti bloc, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, secured over 230 of the 288 assembly seats.
?Schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana have played a major role in our success,? said Pawar. Expressing gratitude to voters, he added, ?I will continue working for the state?s development over the next five years.?
Ajit Pawar himself won the Baramati constituency by a significant margin of 1,00,899 votes, defeating Yugendra Pawar from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction.
Challenges for the Opposition
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance suffered a significant setback in the elections, with Uddhav Thackeray?s Shiv Sena (UBT) securing just 20 seats, Congress winning 16, and Sharad Pawar?s NCP faction managing only 10 seats.
The supplementary demands underscore the state government?s commitment to welfare schemes while reflecting its strategy for inclusive growth and political consolidation.
