Ladki Bahin Yojana: Sanjay Shirsat Breaks Silence on ₹2100 Scheme Promise

The Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme announced during the Maharashtra Assembly elections, continues to generate buzz—particularly around the monthly financial aid promised to women. While the scheme was initially introduced with a provision of ₹1500 per month for eligible women, there were later claims that the amount would be increased to ₹2100. Now, Minister Sanjay Shirsat has spoken out on the issue, offering a clearer picture of the scheme's financial limitations.

Scheme Budget and Allocations

Speaking on the state budget, Minister Shirsat revealed that while the Social Justice Department should ideally receive 11.8% of the total ₹2.5 lakh crore state budget—approximately ₹29,500 crore—only ₹22,688 crore was allocated.

“Out of this, around ₹6500 crore has been earmarked for the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Gharkul Yojana, and Chief Minister Baliraja Aid. Effectively, ₹6000 to ₹7000 crore has already been deducted from the expected departmental allocation,” he stated.

Breakdown of Funds for Welfare Schemes

Minister Shirsat further clarified the internal financial distribution within the department.

“₹3000 crore has been allotted specifically for the beloved sisters under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, while ₹7000 crore has been set aside for various other schemes. This leaves me with just ₹15,000 crore in hand. Out of that, ₹7000 crore is already allocated elsewhere, and I am left with ₹3000 crore to distribute under this scheme.”

Formal Appeals to State Leadership

Highlighting the budgetary constraints and the shortfall in funds, Shirsat said he has raised the issue formally.

“I have submitted a written letter to the Chief Minister and also appealed to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar regarding the matter,” he added.

Uncertainty Over ₹2100 Disbursement

Though the promise of ₹2100 to women under the scheme had created high public expectations, Shirsat’s recent remarks suggest that fulfilling this figure may not be immediately feasible due to budget limitations. The government's next move on reallocation or supplementary funding remains to be seen.