Maharashtra Polls: Mahayuti Announces 10 ‘Guarantees’ Including Ladki Bahin Scheme, Farm Loan Waiver, 25 Lakh Jobs

Maharashtra Election 2024: The Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP has released its manifesto focusing on 10 promises.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, jointly launched the Mahayuti Manifesto in Kolhapur North on Tuesday.

Source : X/@Dev_Fadnavis

Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, revealed its highly-anticipated manifesto during a public meeting in Kolhapur North. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, jointly launched the document, emphasising their commitment to advancing the state towards “unprecedented prosperity and development.” 

The manifesto includes a ten-point agenda, with a focus on economic relief, employment generation, social security, and women’s safety. "With today’s guarantees, the MahaYuti alliance signals to weather the anti-incumbency and achieve a political mileage over the Maha Vikas Aghadi," noted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, as quoted by news agency ANI.

A notable provision under the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' proposes raising monthly allowances for women from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. Additionally, 25,000 new police recruits will be hired to bolster women’s safety across the state. Farmers are set to benefit from a loan waiver and increased annual assistance under the 'Shetkari Sanman Yojna', which includes raising financial aid to Rs 15,000 and a 20 per cent subsidy on the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Shinde also reiterated the Mahayuti's commitment to social welfare, promising a substantial pension increase for senior citizens from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 per month, which he described as a measure “ensuring dignity in their later years”, ANI reported. Other welfare pledges included stable pricing of essential commodities to protect households from inflationary pressures.

The manifesto also targets employment, with a promise to generate 25 lakh jobs, including monthly stipends of Rs 10,000 for skill training of 10 lakh students. Additionally, rural infrastructure will be addressed by paving roads in 45,000 villages. Anganwadi and ASHA workers will also see a salary increase to Rs 15,000 monthly, along with insurance coverage.

Amid growing environmental concerns, the alliance pledged to reduce electricity bills by 30 per cent and enhance investments in renewable energy, contributing to a sustainable future for Maharashtra. The manifesto introduces 'Vision Maharashtra 2029', a roadmap to be unveiled within the first 100 days if elected, aimed at driving transformative changes across the state.

The MahaYuti alliance highlighted these assurances as part of an ongoing effort to engage voters and respond to issues faced by diverse segments of society. This manifesto follows a series of initiatives, including Rs 1 lakh crore in benefits implemented by the government since July, aimed at boosting economic and social welfare in Maharashtra. 

Maharashtra Election: Mahayuti's 10 Promises

1. Increased Monthly Allowance for Women: Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, monthly allowances for eligible women will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, alongside recruitment of 25,000 women in the police force to enhance safety.

2. Farm Loan Waiver, Expanded Support for Farmers: The Shetkari Sanman Yojna will be expanded, increasing annual financial assistance for farmers to Rs 15,000, along with a 20 per cent subsidy on the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

3. Enhanced Pension for Senior Citizens: Monthly pensions for senior citizens will be raised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 to ensure financial security in their later years.

4. Stable Prices of Essential Commodities: A Price Stabilisation scheme will be implemented to maintain stable prices of essential goods, protecting households from inflationary pressures.

5. Creation of 25 Lakh Jobs: To address youth unemployment, the alliance promises to create 25 lakh jobs, providing monthly stipends of Rs 10,000 for skill training of 10 lakh students.

6. Paving of Rural Roads: Infrastructure development in rural areas will be prioritised, with plans to pave roads in 45,000 villages across Maharashtra.

7. Improved Salaries and Security for Anganwadi and ASHA Workers: Monthly wages for Anganwadi and ASHA workers will be increased to Rs 15,000, with additional insurance coverage for financial security.

8. 30% Reduction in Electricity Bills: The manifesto includes a 30 per cent cut in electricity bills, with a shift towards renewable energy sources to promote sustainability.

9. Food and Shelter for All: The alliance commits to ensuring that every individual has access to basic necessities like food and shelter, addressing fundamental needs to improve living conditions.

10. Vision Maharashtra 2029: The alliance promises to unveil Vision Maharashtra 2029 within the first 100 days if elected, outlining a roadmap for a transformative future for the state.

Maharashtra is set to vote on November 20, and counting is scheduled for November 23.