Mumbai: The opposition parties are sneering with no mention of the promised anticipatory hike in the Ladki Bahin scheme during the state budget announcements. When questions were raised in the ongoing session on Wednesday, minister for women and child welfare Aditi Tatkare clarified the government’s stand and said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will decide on the hike at an “appropriate time” and beneficiaries won’t be deceived.

Fadnavis, too, clarified that the government is working on increasing the amount to Rs 2100, “but it’s crucial to maintain a balance”. He said, “We must fulfil all our announcements, but if we want to sustain the scheme in the long term, financial discipline is essential.”

On the issue of 20-25 lakh beneficiaries being excluded from the scheme, Tatkare clarified that the Government Resolution (GR) had clearly mentioned that anyone getting benefits higher than Rs 1,500 from any other scheme wouldn’t be considered eligible.

Under the Namo Shetkari Mahila Yojana, women receive a benefit of Rs 1000. As per the GR, each eligible woman should receive at least Rs 1500 from the government. Accordingly, women receive Rs 1000 under the Mahila Yojana, and the remaining Rs 500 from the Ladki scheme.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai asked for the exact number of beneficiaries when the scheme was announced, the criteria applied, and the number now declared ineligible. Tatkare pegged the original number, before the model code of conduct came into force in October 2024, at 2,33,64,000. She said by February this year, the number rose to 2.47 crore.