Ladki Bahin Yojana programme will never be scrapped, says Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde

Eknath Shinde. File Pic

The Maharashtra government's flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme for women will never be scrapped, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, reported news agency PTI.

Eligible women receive Rs 1,500 a month under the Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme, which is believed to have contributed to the ruling Mahayuti script a stunning victory in last year's assembly polls.

Shinde was speaking in Thane on Thursday after several office-bearers and workers of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) from Navi Mumbai joined his Shiv Sena. The group was led by Sena (UBT) functionary Ratan Mandvi, reported PTI.

"People are joining the Sena because they want development," said Shinde.

Addressing concerns over welfare schemes, Shinde said, "The Ladki Bahin Yojana programme will never be stopped." He accused the opposition of spreading rumours and urged citizens not to believe in misinformation, reported PTI.

The Shiv Sena chief promised full implementation of his party's poll manifesto. "We will not give excuses like printing mistakes. Whatever I assure will happen, and whatever is not possible will not happen," he said, reported PTI.

Caste census will usher in new era of social justice: Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday hailed the Union government's decision to conduct a caste census, calling it a historic milestone in the country's journey towards social justice that will help in equitable distribution of resources.

The Modi government on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be included in the forthcoming census exercise in a "transparent" manner.

Addressing a press conference here, Shinde said, "The caste census will usher in a new era of social justice by enabling accurate policy-making based on the actual demographic data of different castes."

He likened the decision to the Modi government's some other key steps like abrogation of Article 370.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "bold and inclusive leadership", he said it was one of the most courageous decisions taken by the government since independence.

"This is not just a policy decision, but a revolutionary step to bring justice to the last man in society. The Shiv Sena fully supports this move," Shinde said.

The caste-based census will provide reliable data that can guide equitable distribution of resources and ensure that all castes and communities, especially the underprivileged, receive their rightful benefits.

"This decision will open the doors of social justice. It will translate the constitutional vision of equality and upliftment of the common man into reality," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)