Demand to Rename ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ Sparks Political Debate in Maharashtra

NCP MLA Proposes Renaming the Scheme After Ajit Pawar

A political discussion has emerged in Maharashtra following a proposal to rename the ‘Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana’, a state welfare scheme aimed at empowering women. Legislator Amol Mitkari from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday urged the Maharashtra government to name the scheme after former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The demand was raised in the state assembly on 3 February. According to the NCP, the initiative was conceptualised under Ajit Pawar’s leadership during his tenure in the previous government, and it believes he deserves recognition for the scheme’s introduction.

NCP Cites Origins of Scheme Under Former Leadership

The NCP maintains that the Ladki Bahin Yojana was originally launched during a period when Ajit Pawar held a key executive role in the state government. Party leaders have emphasised that Ajit Pawar played a crucial role in planning and initiating the scheme, which is designed to provide financial support and social benefits to eligible women across Maharashtra.

Amol Mitkari, while addressing the assembly, stated that renaming the scheme would appropriately acknowledge Ajit Pawar’s contribution to the welfare of women in the state. He also reiterated the NCP’s support for the scheme’s objectives and implementation.

Political Reactions Within Maharashtra

The proposal has prompted varied reactions from different political quarters within the state. While members from the NCP have backed Mitkari’s suggestion, other political parties have responded with caution. No official comment has yet been made by the ruling government regarding a potential change in the scheme’s name.

The current government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the NCP faction headed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has not issued a statement indicating whether it is considering the renaming proposal.

About the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’

The Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana is a state-run welfare programme aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women in the state, particularly those from economically weaker sections. The scheme includes provisions for financial assistance, healthcare benefits, and support for education and livelihood opportunities.

It reflects a broader push by state authorities to empower women through targeted welfare measures. Though the scheme is currently functioning under the name ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’, discussions around rebranding in honour of political leaders are not uncommon in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

As of now, the state government has not taken any formal decision regarding renaming the scheme. The matter continues to be a subject of political dialogue among various parties in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

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