Legal Notice Challenges Maharashtra’s ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ as Politically Motivated
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 10th October 2024: A legal notice has been issued to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, Chief Secretary, and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, alleging that the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ launched by the Grand Alliance (Mahayuti) government is fostering a dependency culture rather than providing permanent employment opportunities. The notice criticizes the distribution of funds for political gain, asserting that such actions do not align with the principles of a welfare state. It claims the scheme is politically motivated and designed primarily for electoral advantage.
The notice was sent by senior journalist and political analyst Vinay Hardikar through Adv. Asim Sarode. The timing of the scheme’s launch, just ahead of the assembly elections, has raised significant concerns. Hardikar questioned how a monetary assistance of ₹1,500 could meaningfully improve women’s economic independence, health, and nutrition, demanding that the government provide clarification on these issues.
The scheme is projected to cost the state approximately ₹46,000 crore annually. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank’s report indicates that the Maharashtra government has secured a loan of ₹3,000 crore for the implementation of the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana.’ Hardikar argues that if the scheme were genuinely beneficial to women, it should have been implemented after the elections to avoid suspicions of electoral manipulation. He asserts that this initiative strains the state’s finances, noting that while the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act anticipates a fiscal deficit of three percent, it has reportedly risen to 4.6 percent due to the scheme’s rollout.
Additionally, the notice claims that assertions regarding job creation linked to this scheme are unfounded and deceptive.
Hardikar emphasized that the relationship between the government and women should not be perceived as a sister-brother dynamic. According to the Constitution, the relationship ought to be one of state and citizen. He criticized the scheme for perpetuating low wages and highlighted the apparent disregard of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar toward marginalized groups, including transgender women, who are not recognized as ‘sisters’ under the initiative.
The notice concludes by reminding the government of its duty as a trustee of the people and insists that a response be provided within five days of receipt. Adv. Sarode affirmed this expectation for a prompt reply.
