The scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ being implemented by the Maharashtra government under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is to be launched officially today on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. This new scheme aims to give ₹1,500 per month to more than one crore women in the state, as per reports in a news agency. It is inspired by the successful ‘Ladli Behna Yojana’ of Madhya Pradesh. Still, the Maharashtra Government has promised to implement the scheme permanently, which will keep it going indefinitely.
The Chief Minister Shinde pointed out the general importance of launching the scheme during Raksha Bandhan to address women’s rights across Maharashtra. The ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ is our approach to safeguarding and nurturing the women of our state to enable them to stand on their own financially,” Shinde said.
However, to make it easier for women to apply for benefits, the Maharashtra government has launched an application called ‘Nari Shakti Dhoot’ where women can apply through the internet. It is free, and Anganwadi workers and gram sevaks have been given the mandate to help women apply for a card.
For the scheme, beneficiaries are allowed to be women only, residing in Maharashtra, between the ages of 21 and 65, and who come from a financially weaker background. In particular, the scheme focuses on women from households with a per capita income not exceeding ₹2. 5 lakh. As a means of encouraging a fast validation and release of funds, the authorities have encouraged applicants to make sure that their Aadhar cards are actively linked to their bank accounts. Besides, the enrolment has been directed in such a way that banks all over the state have been ordered to help women in the whole process.
During the test phase of the actual scheme, over 3 million of the targeted women have already deposited ₹3,000 in their bank accounts. Chief Minister Shinde once again assured that his government does not intend to only give aid but also provide empowerment to women.
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