Massive Response to Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana with 44 Lakh Applications in Two Weeks
Massive Response to Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana with 44 Lakh Applications in Two Weeks
The Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched on July 1, has seen an overwhelming response, with 44 lakh online applications submitted in the past two weeks. The scheme, aimed at providing a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 to underprivileged women aged 21 to 65, has a deadline for applications set for August 31.
Announced in the Mahayuti government’s recent budget ahead of the October assembly polls, the scheme is expected to cost Rs 46,000 crore annually. “So far we have received 44 lakh online applications despite the monsoon. Beyond this, there are also offline applications,” said Anup Kumar Yadav, State Women and Child Welfare Secretary. The government estimates the number of applications to swell to around 1 crore by the deadline, with eligible beneficiaries being identified after scrutiny.
However, the scheme has not been without controversy. Activists have reported that local villagers and agents are charging women between Rs 200-400 to fill out application forms, despite the government’s assurance that no fee is required. “As with many other forms required to be filled by uneducated individuals, local agents step in and demand a fee,” said Ulka Mahajan from Sarvahara Jan Andolan in Raigad.
Anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in assisting with the applications, have reported difficulties with the online application process. “The app provided for the scheme is unreliable, and it sometimes takes an entire day to upload a form. I have filled around 200 offline forms,” said Sangita Kamble, an anganwadi worker from Trombay. Additionally, while these workers are being paid Rs 50 per form, unions argue that the payment is contingent upon the applicant’s eligibility. “If an anganwadi worker fills 100 forms and only half are declared eligible, why shouldn’t she be paid for the rest of her work?” questioned Shubha Shamim of the anganwadi workers union.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana is modelled after Madhya Pradesh’s successful Ladli Behna Yojana, which helped the BJP retain power in the state. The scheme targets married, divorced, widowed, deserted, and destitute women with an annual family income below Rs 2.5 lakh, also considering one eligible unmarried woman from each family.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has assured that the first instalment of the stipend will be released on Rakshabandhan, bringing much-needed relief to the eligible women across the state.
