Mumbai: The ‘Ladki Bahin Scheme’ is expected to burden the government with nearly Rs 50,000 crore annually. As a result, cuts will be made to other schemes, including the ‘Shiv Bhojan Thali’ and ‘Anandacha Shidha’.

The thali scheme provides the poor meals for just Rs10. It was launched on January 26, 2020, by the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. The meal includes two chapatis, vegetables, dal and rice.

The government spends Rs 267 crore a year to run the scheme, providing meals to 2 lakh people. The scheme continued under Eknath Shinde’s government, but there is speculation it will be discontinued in the upcoming budget session.

Opposition leaders, along with leaders from the ruling party, have requested that the scheme not be closed. Former Food and Civil Supplies minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal wrote a letter to the chief minister urging the government to keep the scheme running. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused that the government of trying to reduce the burden on the state treasury caused by the ‘Ladki Bahin Scheme’.

The Anand Shidha scheme was launched when Eknath Shinde was the chief minister. Under this scheme, four grocery items with a combined market price of Rs 500 are provided for Rs 100. The distribution takes place on occasions like Diwali, Shiv Jayanti and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti.

The state’s financial situation is critical. In the 2024-25 election year, several schemes, especially the Ladki Behan Yojana, have doubled the fiscal deficit to Rs 2 lakh crore. Additionally, the government had promised to increase the amount given under the Ladki Behna Yojana from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 during the election. Fulfilling this promise now poses a challenge for the Finance Department.