'Ladki Bahin Yojana' scheme a key welfare success, says Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday criticised the opposition for calling the Ladki Bahin scheme an election ldquojumlardquo asserting that it is one of the statersquos most significant and successful welfare initiatives introduced during his tenure as chief minister news agency PTI reportedThe Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana which offers Rs 1500 monthly assistance to eligible women from economically weaker sections is widely seen as a key factor in influencing the Mahayuti alliancersquos 2024 poll mandateAmong all welfare schemes my favourite is Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana It is the most popular scheme I decided to launch this scheme because I came from a humble background and understood the struggles of the common man the Shiv Sena chief said while addressing a rally for local body elections in Yavatmal districtHe also stated that he had seen how his mother and wife struggled to run the familyAfter becoming chief minister my government decided to provide financial assistance to our mothers and sisters Shinde addedHe also said that the opposition termed the scheme a poll jumla gimmick but he ensured that money reached the accounts of women directlyShinde reiterated that the government will never discontinue the schemeEknath Shinde urges voters to choose Shiv Sena for development promises an end to VIP cultureMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has urged people to elect his party candidates in the upcoming Maharashtra local body elections saying a vote for his party is a vote for development and an end to VIP cultureAddressing a rally on Tuesday to campaign for the Shiv Sena candidate Dr Prashant Katre for the post of Gondia Municipal Council president Shinde also asserted that the governments flagship Ladki Bahin scheme for women will not be discontinued PTI reportedSupport and elect Shiv Sena candidates your vote for Shiv Sena is a vote for development We want to end the VIP culture and work to bring good days for the downtrodden For development vote for change and elect the Shiv Sena candidate in the upcoming local body election said ShindeHe also noted that when he was the chief minister his government introduced the Ladki Bahin Yojana providing Rs 1500 monthly assistance to women though opposition leaders had raised doubts over its continuationBut I want to make it clear that the scheme is not going to be discontinued In fact we are planning to bring a scheme to make ladki bahin women empowered and selfreliant Shinde saidMaharashtra local body elections to various local bodies in the state are scheduled on December 2It was our government that gave 50 per cent concession for women in bus travel helped farmers and the common people through the Shetkari Sanman YojanacedilYouth Skill Development scheme and many other initiatives he addedShinde who holds charges of the urban development department also assured that there will be no dearth of funds for the development of GondiaWith PTI inputs