Maharashtra to expand Ladki Bahin scheme, aims for 10 mn 'Lakhpati Didis'

Under the government's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme, eligible women are provided a monthly assistance of ₹1,500

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said his government will not only continue the Ladki Bahin scheme for women, but also aims to create one crore "Lakhpati Didis" in the next two years.

Fadnavis was addressing a rally to campaign for the Mahayuti's candidates of the Ahmedpur, Udgir, Renapur and other civic body polls.

Elections to various municipal councils and other local bodies are set to be held on December 2.

Under the government's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme, eligible women are provided a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500.

Fadnavis said, "The government will not stop just with the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme now and has the target of making one crore 'Lakhpati Didi'. Half of the target will be completed this year. We will complete the remaining target in the next two years."  "People should take care of our candidates on December 2, and we will take care of you for the next five years," he added.

On the government's development plans for cities, the CM noted that the rural areas have always been the centre point as there are nearly seven lakh villages in the country.

"But now, India lives in cities also...6.5 crore residents of Maharashtra live in towns, like Udgir. So cities are also important today," he pointed out.

Till now, cities have been ignored, though people migrated from villages to cities for better living and employment. The cities faced challenges of sanitation, water and infrastructure due to ignorance, Fadnavis said.

"But our central government is also giving importance to cities and providing funds for development. Maharashtra has received Rs 50,000 crore for the development of cities till now, and we are changing the face of the cities now," he said.