Connect with us
Friday,21-February-2025
Breaking News

Maharashtra

Maharashtra: ‘83% Of ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ Beneficiaries Are Married Women,’ Says Official Data

Published

on

Mumbai: Married women make up as many as 83 per cent of the beneficiaries of the Maharashtra government’s ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’, as per official data.

The scheme, which is supposed to have played a role in the BJP-led coalition’s victory in the November 2024 assembly elections, provides monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to women aged 21 to 65 who are married, divorced, widowed, deserted, or destitute, and whose family income is below Rs 2,50,000 per year.

The benefit is also provided to one unmarried woman per family.

The scheme has, as of now, some 2.5 crore beneficiaries, though the government is now carrying out a scrutiny to omit those who are ineligible.

Data indicates that married women constitute 83 per cent while unmarried women constitute 11.8 per cent of the beneficiaries, a senior official said on Thursday.

Widows account for 4.7 per cent of beneficiaries, while `divorced, destitute or deserted’ women collectively make up less than 1 per cent of the cohort.

Divorced women account for 0.3 per cent, deserted women 0.2 per cent, and destitute women for 0.1 per cent of beneficiaries.

The highest 29 per cent of beneficiaries are from the 30-39 age group, followed 25.5 per cent from 21-29 age group and 23.6 per cent from 40-49 age group.

Women aged 60 to 65 account for only five per cent of beneficiaries.

Pune district has recorded the highest number of applications for the scheme, followed by Nashik and Ahmednagar. On the other hand, Sindhudurg and Gadchiroli districts have recorded the lowest number of applications.

The scheme was rolled out in July last year. Before the November elections, the ruling Mahayuti alliance of the BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena promised to increase the amount under the scheme to Rs 2,100 per month. After coming to power, the new Devendra Fadnavis-led government said the promise would be kept, and an announcement to this effect is expected in the coming Budget.

After coming to power, the new Mahayuti government ordered a review to remove ineligible recipients. So far, five lakh beneficiaries have been excluded, with officials estimating that the number could rise to 15 lakh.

Women owning four-wheelers, those in government employment or those already receiving benefit exceeding Rs 1,500 from other schemes would be disqualified.

At the time of its launch, the scheme was said to cost the state exchequer Rs 46,000 crore annually.

It has also faced allegations of fraud and political manipulation.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Thursday accused the government of misleading women voters by rolling out the scheme before the elections and slashing the number of beneficiaries after coming to power.

“The government distributed funds to women as an incentive to get votes. After assuming office (after the elections), it imposed various conditions that have significantly reduced the number of eligible beneficiaries,” he said.

The Fadnavis government intends to reduce the number of beneficiaries by as much as 25 per cent, the Congress leader claimed, calling it a betrayal of voters.

Bollywood

Yo Yo Honey Singh Millionaire Mumbai Tour: Check Out Dates, Venue, How To Book Tickets Online & More

Published

on

Mumbai: Rapper Honey Singh is set to start the ‘Millionaire India Tour,’ which begins in Mumbai. The concert is set for Saturday, February 22, in Nesco Pvt Ltd, Mumbai.

Honey Singh Who has given hit songs and albums like Brown Rang, Love Dose, etc, has always been a choice of the Gen Z generation. The rapper shared with India today that, “Tomorrow, we are performing for the first time not the first time, but the first show of the Millionaire India Tour, and we are excited. Let’s do it!”

The artist, known for his energetic performances, shared with the media that he’s “rehearsing for the show” for the first time, marking a new era in his performances. He explained that the “Stage Aajtak” show is “meticulously directed and choreographed,” featuring a six-piece live band, new visuals, and a fresh sound.

Singh said, “I have been performing for more than 15 years now, but this time, it’s a wholly directed and choreographed show.” He added, “For the first time in my life, I have to rehearse before the show.” As the ‘Millionaire India Tour’ begins, fans can expect “something very new and very different.”

About Concert Tickets and Venue

The concert will be held at Nesco Pvt Ltd in Mumbai, and tickets start at around ₹3,500. As part of his much-awaited tour, Honey Singh will be playing in ten Indian cities.

How to Book Tickets

From the given link of District by Zomato, fans can book tickets. His ‘Millionaire India Tour’ trip starts in Mumbai on February 22 and continues to Lucknow on February 28, Delhi on March 1, Indore on March 8, Pune on March 14, Ahmedabad on March 15, Bengaluru on March 22, Chandigarh on March 23, Jaipur on March 29, and Kolkata on April 5.

Continue Reading

Maharashtra

‘Tremor Man’: Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray Says He Is Like Japan Amid Party Defections

Published

on

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has sharply criticized the ongoing defections within his party, decrying the political instability that now plagues its ranks. Addressing his supporters, Thackeray compared the situation to the frequent tremors felt in Japan.

“Nowadays, the country’s situation is like Japan. The Japanese are surprised if they don’t feel tremors regularly. Now, I am experiencing tremors every day,” he said. Dubbed “Tremor Man,” Thackeray vowed to strike back at the ruling parties. “Let’s see how many tremors they give me, but we will deliver such a massive tremor that they won’t appear again,” he declared.

His remarks come amid a wave of political turbulence following several defections to the ruling alliance—a crisis Thackeray is determined to overcome in his bid for a strong comeback. He also lashed out at both the BJP and Shinde’s faction, stressing, “We are fighting this battle with the strong support of loyal Shiv Sainiks.

This is not just my fight but ours together.” Evoking the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Thackeray encouraged party members to watch the film Chhava, which portrays the revered leader’s struggles. “Many leave the theatre in tears, but I urge you to open your eyes and grasp the message,” he remarked.

Accusing the ruling alliance of trying to dismantle the Shiv Sena from its roots, he added, “They are using our own people as tools to weaken us— just like taking wood from a tree to fashion an axe that ultimately cuts it down.” Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Thackeray directed party workers to reinforce their organizational efforts. “These are crucial days for strengthening our ranks.

With the court’s imminent decision on whether the Mumbai municipal corporation will have 227 or 236 seats, and with elections likely in April or May, every branch must verify voter lists and register new members in large numbers,” he instructed. Addressing previous electoral setbacks, Thackeray acknowledged past mistakes but vowed they would not be repeated, signaling a renewed determination to reclaim lost ground.

Continue Reading

Maharashtra

Navi Mumbai To Get Theme Park Similar To California’s Disneyland Soon

Published

on

Mumbai: Navi Mumbai is set to welcome a grand theme park, reminiscent of Disneyland, the project has been proposed in the final plan of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) Growth Hub. This ambitious initiative spans 200 hectares of site.

This project has been proposed under the recommendations of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog. The MMR Growth Hub project has been taken up for the economic development of the country.

The final plan has been drafted by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

Features of Park

According to media reports, the upcoming Wonder Park will feature around 35 thrilling rides, including high-speed roller coasters, water slides, and live entertainment shows.

Apart from this, the park also has an artificial lake and will be a picnic spot for children with a huge playing area. This unique experience promises to be a major draw for tourists and locals alike.

The theme park aims to provide world-class entertainment while contributing to the region’s tourism and economic growth.

Continue Reading

Trending