Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday firmly rejected opposition allegations that funds meant for other departments were diverted to the state’s flagship women’s welfare scheme, Ladki Bahin Yojana, calling the claims baseless and reflective of a poor understanding of budgetary processes.
Speaking to reporters in central Maharashtra, Fadnavis clarified that disbursements made through the Tribal Affairs and Social Justice departments for the scheme were in line with budgetary norms, which mandate that a portion of funds be allocated to personal benefit schemes for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
“The accusations are unfounded. Only those who don’t understand the budget can make such claims,” Fadnavis said. “As per financial rules, funds for SC/ST communities should be allocated largely to personal benefit schemes, and the Ladki Bahin Yojana fits this category.”
He explained that the scheme’s classification under Tribal Affairs and Social Justice departments is merely an accounting mechanism, not a diversion of funds. The CM added that both departments have seen their budgets increased by nearly 1.45 times in the 2025-26 financial year, underscoring that no funds were reduced or misused.
Fadnavis also pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio, had already addressed the issue and provided similar clarifications.
About the Scheme
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, implemented by the Women and Child Development Department, provides a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 to economically disadvantaged women aged 21 to 65 years, whose annual family income is less than ₹2.5 lakh. The scheme played a crucial role in the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition’s sweeping victory in the state assembly elections held in November 2024.
Social Justice Minister Voices Dissent
Earlier this month, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat of the Shiv Sena raised concerns over the Finance Department’s handling of the funds. Shirsat alleged that the department, led by Ajit Pawar, diverted funds from his ministry without prior consent, calling it “illegal and high-handed.”
Acknowledging the financial strain the scheme has placed on the state’s finances, Shirsat had said, “If this continues, the government might as well shut down the Social Justice Department.”
Fadnavis dismissed these concerns, reiterating that all allocations were made transparently and within legal and budgetary frameworks.
