Radhika Kamble, 49, seethes with anger every time someone mentions the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Maharashtra’s welfare initiative targeted at women. The first payments to the 1.5 crore women started in August 2024, two days ahead of Raksha Bandhan, and a few months ahead of the Assembly elections. In the second month, September, about 2.6 crore women were registered. It has accused the government of diverting funds from other welfare schemes to continue giving benefits under Majhi Ladki Bahin. After the announcement, 2.47 crore women enrolled themselves.

Source: The Hindu February 21, 2026 04:51 UTC