Overview

• The Maharashtra government redirected ₹746 crore from SC/ST welfare funds to sustain the ₹1,500 monthly Laadki Bahin Yojana stipend for 24.6 million women.
• Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat publicly opposed the fund diversion, citing legal restrictions and potential harm to SC/ST programs like scholarships and hostels.
• Shirsat confirmed that the state’s fiscal constraints make it impossible to raise the stipend to ₹2,100, despite the BJP-led alliance's election manifesto promise.
• Historical budget data reveals that Maharashtra’s social justice and tribal development departments consistently receive less than 75% of their allocated funds due to finance department shortfalls.
• The fund diversion has exposed tensions within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, with Shirsat urging the Chief Minister to ensure full budgetary allocations for SC/ST welfare.