Ajit Pawar’s Clarification: Women To Get Ladki Bahin Welfare Funds on August 17, Not ‘Bhai Dooj’

To empower women across Maharashtra, the Mahayuti government has officially announced the release of the first instalment of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana on August 17. The scheme, which was introduced in the recently presented Budget 2024, has already garnered significant attention, with women from all corners of the state eagerly applying.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the date during a recent statement, mentioning that the first instalment would be deposited directly into the accounts of eligible women on August 17. Notably, the payments for both July and August will be disbursed together, bringing much-needed relief to the beneficiaries.

However, some confusion arose when Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, during a public address in Malegaon, inadvertently stated that the funds would be released on Bhai Dooj, a festival that typically falls in Diwali in November. The statement momentarily stirred uncertainty among public, but Pawar quickly corrected himself, reiterating that the funds would indeed be available on August 17.

Pawar was in Malegaon to discuss various issues, including the upcoming Assembly elections. He emphasised the importance of the Mahayuti alliance and the collective effort required to face the elections as a united front. “We have introduced several good schemes, including those aimed at empowering women and supporting girls from poor households,” Pawar said.

He also highlighted the significance of the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ Yojana in the broader context of women’s empowerment in the state.

The government is planning a grand event on August 17 to mark the distribution of the funds, with CM Shinde, both Deputy Chief Ministers and other key ministers expected to participate. The government aims to reach nearly 2-2.5 crore women beneficiaries through this initiative, offering them significant financial support.

This announcement has brought much relief to the women of Maharashtra, many of whom were eagerly awaiting the release of the funds. The decision underscores the state government’s commitment to women’s welfare and empowerment, a key focus of the Mahayuti government’s agenda.