Ladki Bahin Yojana: Tribal Development Funds Diverted to Support Monthly Payouts

In a significant financial move, the Maharashtra government has redirected funds originally allocated to tribal welfare to support the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing monthly financial assistance to women.

According to official reports, an amount of ₹335.70 crore, initially earmarked under the Tribal Development Department, has been transferred to the Women and Child Development Department. This sum is being utilized to disburse the May installment of ₹1,500 to each beneficiary of the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

The diversion of funds has sparked concerns, particularly because the Tribal Development Department plays a crucial role in designing and implementing welfare programs for Scheduled Tribes and backward communities. With the government struggling to consistently fund the ₹1,500 monthly payment for each recipient, departments such as Social Justice and Tribal Development are now bearing the financial burden.

It has also come to light that this redirection of funds may not be a one-time occurrence. Reports suggest that such diversions could continue on a monthly basis, potentially affecting the long-term execution of tribal welfare initiatives.

In the state’s annual budget for the current fiscal year, ₹21,495 crore has been allocated for Scheduled Tribes schemes. Of this, ₹3,420 crore was designated as a subsidy to the Tribal Development Department. The latest diversion of ₹335.70 crore for the month of May marks a significant reallocation from this subsidy pool.

The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, with activists and opposition leaders questioning the government’s priorities and the impact such financial decisions could have on tribal communities that rely on these schemes for education, healthcare, and livelihood support. As the situation develops, the sustainability of the Ladki Bahin Yojana and its implications for marginalized communities remain under close scrutiny.