Timely subsidy payment uncertain as govt has to allocate funds for Ladki Bahin scheme: Nitin Gadkari

Maharashtra government’s Ladki Bahin scheme, introduced ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, is expected to cost the State exchequer ₹46,000 crore annually

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said the Maharashtra government's Ladki Bahin scheme, introduced to provide financial assistance to women, could affect the timely payment of subsidies in other sectors.

Latching onto the BJP leader's comments, the Opposition NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) said if those in the government were saying the State's economy is in distress, then it is a matter of concern.

Under the State government's flagship 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana', married, divorced, and destitute women aged 21-65 will receive ₹1,500 per month, with the annual family income of beneficiaries capped at ₹2.5 lakh.

The scheme, introduced ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls, is expected to cost the State exchequer ₹46,000 crore annually.

Addressing a public event in Maharashtra's Nagpur on Sunday, Mr. Gadkari said, "It is uncertain whether investors will receive their subsidy payment on time, as the government also has to allocate funds for the Ladki Bahin scheme."

Also read | Oppn. spreading rumours about ‘Ladki Bahin’, says CM Eknath Shinde

He said the entrepreneurs in Vidarbha (region of Maharashtra) should come forward for investment as everything cannot be left to the government.