Social justice, tribal department funds cut in Maharashtra, given to Ladki Bahin scheme: Report
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government’s Ladki Bahin Yojana appears to be impacting budget allocations for key welfare departments, with significant funds reportedly redirected from social justice and tribal development initiatives.
"My information is that nearly Rs 10,000 crore, which includes Rs 7,000 crore from social justice and Rs 3,000 crore from tribal development, has been diverted for Ladki Bahin scheme,” Shiv Sena’s Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat told The Times of India.
The report, published on Saturday, mentioned that although the budget saw a 40-42 percent increase in overall allocations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), funding for the social justice, tribal development, and other backward Bahujan welfare departments has been reduced.
A senior bureaucrat confirmed the reallocation of funds from the social justice and tribal development departments for the Ladki Bahin scheme. "Funds must have been transferred for SC/ST beneficiaries under the scheme," the bureaucrat told TOI.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra is grappling with its highest-ever projected debt of Rs 9.3 lakh crore and the steepest revenue deficit (gap between income and expenditure) at an estimated Rs 45,891 crores for 2025-26.
The Mahayuti government had launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana in July 2024, where it provides Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women under the scheme. In its poll manifesto ahead of the state Assembly elections, the Mahayuti had promised to increase the amount to Rs 2,100. However, this commitment has not been fulfilled yet.
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Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship: How to apply, when to apply; details here
Bengaluru: The Azim Premji Foundation has announced the Azim Premji Scholarship for the academic year 2025–26, aimed at supporting up to 2.5 lakh girls across 18 Indian states who are pursuing higher education after completing school. An official release from the foundation also stated that in the coming years the scholarship will be implemented across the country.
When to Apply:
According to a release from the foundation, the application process for the Azim Premji Scholarship 2025–26 will commence in September 2025. “Details of the program and any changes in the program design or coverage will be notified at the start of the application process,” the release added.
Where to Apply:
According to the release, the scholarship this year will be implemented across 18 states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Students residing in these states and enrolled in recognised higher education institutions will be eligible to apply.
How to Apply:
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Girls who have completed their Class 10 and 12 education in government (public) schools and have secured admission in a bona fide higher education institution either a government-run college/university or select private institutions can apply for the scholarship.
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Once the application portal opens in September, students will be required to submit personal details, educational qualifications, proof of admission, and bank account information.
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The scholarship amount ₹30,000 per year will be transferred directly into the students' bank accounts in two instalments each academic year, read the release.
