Mumbai: The number of beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has risen by 14 lakh since the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare informed the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

According to officials, the surge in beneficiaries was due to the completion of pending application scrutiny, which had been delayed because of the model code of conduct during the elections. As a result, the total number of beneficiaries increased from 2.33 crore before the elections to 2.47 crore in February.

However, the Opposition staged a protest and walkout from the Assembly, accusing the government of delaying the promised increase in financial aid under the scheme. Opposition leaders criticised the government for failing to raise the assistance amount to Rs 2,100, as pledged.

During the question hour, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar questioned the delay, asking, “When will you provide Rs 2,100 as promised in the manifesto?” He was joined by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai, who also pressed for clarity on the issue.

Tatkare responded that the current amount provided under the scheme is Rs 1,500 per month, and a decision regarding the increase to Rs 2,100 will be taken by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers. Additionally, she mentioned that Anganwadi workers receive Rs 50 per application they process under the scheme.

Despite the explanation, the Opposition continued its protest, alleging that the government was misleading women and failing to deliver on its promises. They also raised concerns over scrutiny of ineligible beneficiaries, questioning whether genuine applicants were being excluded.

Officials clarified that while scrutiny of ineligible applicants is ongoing, the recent increase in beneficiaries is due to the clearance of applications that had been on hold due to election-related restrictions. The government maintains that the scheme’s implementation is progressing, and any changes to financial aid will be decided at the highest level.