The Maharashtra government has introduced a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 for women aged 21 to 60 as part of the 2024-25 budget. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented this budget in the assembly on Friday, 28th June. This significant announcement for women comes just four months before the state elections.
Unveiling his first full budget as the finance minister in the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government, Pawar announced the “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.” Under this scheme, eligible women between 21 and 60 years will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500. The initiative aims to promote women’s overall development and empowerment, focusing on economic independence, self-reliance, health, and nutrition. An annual allocation of Rs 46,000 crore will support this scheme, set to commence in July.
Additionally, Pawar introduced the ‘Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana,’ which addresses the health impact of cooking fuel on women. “It is our responsibility to provide clean fuel to reduce health issues for women. The use of LPG should be intensified as it is a safe fuel. The Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana will provide three gas cylinders free per household a year,” he said. This initiative will benefit 52,16,412 families.
Pawar also announced a new start-up scheme for small women entrepreneurs called “Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila,” set to launch this year. Furthermore, the government will fully reimburse the tuition and examination fees for professional courses for girls from OBC communities and economically weaker sections with an annual family income of up to Rs 8 lakh.