Maha minister flags financial 'stress' due to Ladki Bahin

PUNE: Maharashtra minister for minorities Dattatray Bharne has highlighted "financial stress" due to Ladki Bahin scheme, days after ally and Shiv Sena MLA Ramdas Kadam flagged similar concerns over the Mahayuti govt's welfare measure under which Rs 1500 is paid every month to eligible women between 21 and 65.

The minister's comments on Saturday came after the Mahayuti govt's budget last week slashed the scheme's allocation by around Rs 10,000 crore amid a staggering rise in state debt.

The scheme was started in July last year, ahead of the Nov assembly elections in which governing allies BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena returned to office while promising to raise the scheme's monthly payout to Rs 2100.

"One must accept there is some financial stress on govt treasury due to the Ladki Bahin scheme. Hence, I urge you (supporters) to submit fewer letters (of demands) this year," NCP's Bharne said at an event in his constituency in Pune's Indapur.

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