Current Affairs - State - Discussion

In Maharashtra, the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month for a year to single women aged 18-40, has faced criticism over its high publicity costs. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has raised concerns that Rs 199.81 crore is being spent on promoting this scheme, despite only a few women receiving the first instalment. The state government's spokesperson defended the expenditure as necessary for public awareness, citing past practices where similar sums were allocated for schemes like Maharashtra's Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Maharashtra Nirmulan Vikas Yojana. Wadettiwar's comments highlight the tension over government resource allocation, questioning the prioritisation of funds for advertising rather than direct aid.