Several welfare schemes in Maharashtra are facing delays as the state government continues monthly cash transfers under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The scheme, which provides Rs 1,500 per month to women, has been credited with bolstering support for the ruling alliance of BJP, Shinde Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
Many smaller schemes, including subsidised ration kits under Anandacha Shidha and one-time payments under Vayoshree Yojana for senior citizens, have been postponed. Residents across districts like Sangli, Nashik, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kolhapur report frustration over the slowdown in these benefits.
Smita Patil from Sangli said she relied on cheap ration kits for festival preparations. “Last year, I saved money because of the subsidised kits. This year, the government said there were no funds,” she said. In Nashik’s Dindori block, senior citizens like Nandkumar Kshirsagar said delays in Vayoshree payments forced families to work for survival.
Even beneficiaries of Ladki Bahin expressed dissatisfaction. Officials have stopped payments to women who did not link bank accounts with Aadhaar or submit required documents. Pushpa Patil from Solapur said, “Women feel fooled. The government gave money in one hand and took it away through rising costs.”
Opposition leaders, such as Rohit Pawar of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, have highlighted the funding gaps in their campaigns. However, political analysts say voter anger may not fully translate into electoral losses for the ruling alliance. Some voters still support the parties because a portion of the schemes, like Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana, eventually reaches beneficiaries.
As Maharashtra approaches civic body elections, the financial strain of Ladki Bahin is reshaping welfare distribution, but its political impact remains uncertain.
