Maharashtra Diverts ₹746 Cr SC/ST Funds to Women’s Scheme
The Maharashtra government has redirected ₹746 crore from the welfare budgets meant for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to finance the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme for women. According to the government order, ₹410.3 crore was reallocated from the Social Justice Department and ₹335.7 crore from the Tribal Development Department. These funds are now earmarked to support eligible women beneficiaries within the SC and ST communities.
Internal Rift in Mahayuti Over Funds Reallocation
The fund diversion has triggered internal tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Shirsat, the state’s Social Welfare Minister, publicly expressed his displeasure, stating that he was not consulted before the funds under his department were redirected. Shirsat lashed out at the Finance Department, remarking, “If the Social Justice Department is deemed unnecessary, it might as well be shut down.”
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar echoed the concerns, noting that since the implementation of the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, various departments have been facing financial stress, making it difficult to manage their core operations.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Mount
The decision to divert funds has sparked legal and ethical concerns. Guidelines clearly state that funds earmarked for SC and ST communities must not be utilized for other schemes. Critics argue that this move not only violates established norms but also undermines welfare commitments toward historically marginalized communities. The diversion is being seen as a politically motivated move to sustain a popular pre-election welfare scheme at the cost of constitutionally protected funds.
Fiscal Pressure from the Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme
The Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in July 2024, provides ₹1,500 per month to women aged 21 to 60. With nearly 2.5 crore beneficiaries, the scheme places a monthly financial burden of around ₹3,800 crore on the state exchequer. Facing a revenue deficit of nearly ₹46,000 crore in the 2025–26 fiscal year, the state is struggling to sustain the massive payout, leading to controversial fund reallocations like this one.
Opposition Slams Mismanagement of Public Funds
Opposition leaders have slammed the government’s fiscal management, accusing it of compromising social justice in favor of electoral appeasement. They argue that reallocating funds from SC/ST welfare programs to run a politically driven scheme reflects a gross misuse of public money. Questions are being raised about the long-term viability of the scheme and the administration’s priorities when funds meant for the most vulnerable are being tapped for populist spending.
