Maharashtra Budget 2024: Ajit Pawar's new scheme to ensure Rs 1500 monthly for women; key highlights

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday (June 28) presented the state budget during the ongoing monsoon session of the state assembly, unveiling several key initiatives, including the 'Mukhyanantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, which promises Rs 1500 per month to women starting from July 2024.

Announcing the scheme in the State Assembly, Pawar, who also serves as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, said, "We are announcing Mukhyanantri Majhi Ladki Bahin (CM My Beloved Sister). Under this, all women will be given Rs 1500 per month. The scheme will be implemented from July 2024."

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In his budget speech, Pawar also extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his third term and expressed optimism about continued cooperation with the Union Government for the next five years.

Addressing the needs of the agricultural sector, Pawar said, "We will provide a Rs 5000 per hectare bonus to all farmers for their crops of cotton and soybean in Maharashtra. Additionally, we will offer a Rs 5 per litre bonus to milk-producing farmers even after July 1, 2024."

Further measures to support citizens included increasing monetary compensation for deaths due to animal attacks, raising the amount from Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs for the next of kin.

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Pawar also announced a social welfare initiative under the CM Anna Chhatra Yojana and said, "We will provide three free LPG cylinders every year to all households."

Here's a list of schemes announced by the NDA government:

1. Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme: Starting in July, eligible women aged 21-60 will receive a monthly transfer of Rs 1,500.

2. Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana: Over 52 lakh families will benefit from three free LPG cylinders annually.

3. CM Yuva Karya Prashikshan Scheme: Unemployed youth will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000, benefiting 10 lakh interns.

4. Agri Pump Electricity Bill Waiver: The government will waive electricity bills for over 46 lakh farmers.

5. Farm Assistance: Cotton and soybean farmers will receive Rs 5,000 per hectare, up to two hectares, during the Kharif season 2023-24.

6. Onion Farmer Subsidy: Rs 851.66 crores will be allocated, providing Rs 350 per quintal in 2023-24.

7. Magel Tyala Solar Power Pump: Rs 15,000 crores will be invested to provide uninterrupted daytime electricity to farmers, benefiting 8.50 lakh individuals.

8. Free Higher Education for Girls: 100% reimbursement of education and examination fees for girls from other backward classes and economically weaker sections.

9. Lakhpati Didi Initiative: So far, 15 lakh women have become "Lakhpati Didi" through "Umaid Mart" and an e-commerce platform for goods made by women self-help groups, with a goal to reach 25 lakh women this year.

10. Fuel Price Reduction: In Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, petrol prices will be cut by 65 paise per litre and diesel by Rs 2.07 per litre.

11. Health Insurance Cover: Increased from Rs 1.5 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs per family, covering 1,900 hospitals and 1,356 types of treatments.

12. Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadashi Vari: A Rs 20,000 grant will be provided to each Dindi participating in the event.