Ladki Bahin September instalment credited to women's accounts ahead of Diwali

The government has deposited the September instalment of the Ladki Bahin scheme into women's accounts ahead of Diwali. The money reached the accounts today. Women across the state had been waiting for some time to see when the instalment would arrive for the festival. Diwali begins on October 7, and the money has come before that, so the festival is set to be a sweeter one for the women.

Under the scheme, Rs 1,500 is deposited directly every month into the accounts of eligible women. The government timed this instalment for Diwali. In state politics, the Ladki Bahin scheme has proved a game changer.

The state government launched the scheme for women just before the Assembly elections. After the Mahayuti government announced it, women across the state voted for the Mahayuti in large numbers. The government had said at the outset that women would first get Rs 1,500 and that the amount would later be raised to Rs 2,100. For now, women are getting only Rs 1,500.

Allegations are also being made about the scheme. It is alleged that it is placing a heavy burden on the state exchequer. It is also alleged that money meant for many schemes of the Social Welfare department is being diverted to the Ladki Bahin scheme.

At one point there was talk that the Ladki Bahin scheme would be discontinued. The government clarified that the scheme will continue.

The Opposition is sharply criticising the scheme. Many applications under it have been cancelled. The applications of women who were not eligible for the scheme were rejected. In addition, women who have not completed KYC will not be able to receive the benefit of the Ladki Bahin scheme.