The Maharashtra government has launched many schemes for the economic and social empowerment of women. One of the important schemes is the “Ladki Bahin Yojana”. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to help with the education, health and marriage expenses of girls. Also, this scheme is a kind of assurance for women and girls from poor and needy families – that the improvement of the economic condition of women and the education of girls will not remain incomplete, and the government is standing by their side for their increased expenses.
However, recently there is a discussion that “Can the Ladki Bahin Yojana be closed?” This possibility has become a topic of discussion in the society and the media to some extent. In this article, we will try to get to the root of this discussion – the need for this scheme, its benefits, financial aspects, and the reason behind the possibility of closure.
What exactly is the Ladki Bhahin Yojana?
Ladki Bahin Yojana is being implemented in various districts of Maharashtra and its objective is to provide financial assistance for the education and marriage of girls from poor and low income groups and to empower women. Under this scheme, eligible women in the age group of 21 to 65 in the state of Maharashtra are given Rs. 1,500/- every month in their bank accounts in stages. It is used for the education of girls or for future marriage expenses and this is an effort of the Maharashtra government to provide financial assistance to the families of needy women.
Main benefits of the plan:
- Promoting girls’ education
- Reducing early marriage
- Promoting women’s empowerment
- Providing financial support to poor families
Possibility of closure of the scheme – what is the truth?
In the current situation, many state governments are rethinking their budgets. Due to inflation, rising debt, and the burden of new schemes, old schemes are being reviewed. In this context, will the Ladki Bhain Yojana be closed? This question has arisen.
Possible reasons behind the closure of the scheme:
- Budget deficit: The state government is facing a shortage of funds. The expenditure on many development works, agricultural schemes, employment schemes is increasing. At such times, some schemes are put on the ‘low priority’ list.
- Changes in political policies: After a new government comes to power, it has its own priorities. Sometimes schemes started by the previous government are closed or restarted in a new form.
- Misuse of schemes: According to some reports, funds under the scheme have been misused. There have been complaints that undeserving girls and women have received benefits. Therefore, the government may reconsider the scheme.
- Launch of new parallel schemes: Sometimes the government launches other new schemes of similar nature and closes old schemes. Therefore, the Ladki Bahin scheme may be replaced by a scheme with a new name and a slightly different form.
What will be the consequences if the scheme is closed?
If the Ladki Bhahin scheme is indeed discontinued, its social and economic consequences will be huge.
- Obstacles to education: The chances of girls from poor families dropping out of school will increase. Many families will soon withdraw their girls from education due to lack of money.
- Rate of early marriage: Since the funds received under this scheme can be used for the marriage of girls, the rate of early marriage had reduced to some extent. If the scheme is discontinued, the pressure for early marriage may increase again.
- Impact on women’s empowerment: The government had given a helping hand for the economic empowerment of women. If it is withdrawn, the opportunity for women to become self-reliant will decrease.
- Loss of trust in the government: If the government is constantly changing schemes, or discontinuing schemes for the needy, the trust of the common citizen in the government may be shaken.
योजनेचे भवितव्य काय असावे?
One thing is clear – the Ladki Bhaeen Yojana is a scheme that provides relief to the needy. Therefore, its immediate closure would be inappropriate and harmful. If the scheme is not financially sustainable, there are a few things that can be considered:
- Re-evaluation of the scheme: Making the eligibility criteria more stringent, selecting beneficiaries on technical basis.
- Re-branding: Re-introducing the scheme with a new name, revised terms and conditions.
- Participatory Funding System: Raising funds with the participation of the Central Government or the private sector under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).
- Digitization and Transparency: Making the scheme completely online, making beneficiary information public, forming independent committees to prevent fraud.
Conclusion-
“Can the Ladki Bhaeen scheme be discontinued?” The answer to this question is not as simple as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Although this scheme is a challenge for the financially stressed state government, it is very necessary from a social point of view. If the government really thinks about the progress of women, then it is necessary to make its form more transparent and effective instead of discontinuing this scheme.
Thousands of families have benefited from these schemes – and can continue to do so, if they are seen not just as ‘expenses’ but as ‘investments in the future’, then they will survive only if they are seen as ‘investments in the future’.
Besides, if the scheme is discontinued, I don’t think your “Ladki Bhaeen” will forget about it in the next elections in your state.
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