- Anandacha Shidha Yojana has been discontinued, increasing financial pressure on the government.
- This scheme previously benefited 1.63 crores during the festive season.
- Several schemes have been suspended due to the launch of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.
Anandacha Shidha Yojana was initiated to support low-income families by providing essential food items during festive seasons. Under this scheme, ration cardholders received one kilogram each of semolina, sugar, chickpeas, and a liter of palm oil at a nominal cost. The scheme was introduced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to make festivals happier for the underprivileged.
However, due to increasing financial pressure on the state’s coffers, the new government led by Devendra Fadnavis has decided to suspend this scheme.
Discontinuation Due to Financial Pressures
Following the launch of the Ladli Behna scheme, which aims to provide financial support to women, numerous existing schemes including Anandacha Shidha have faced suspension. This has led to great disappointment as Anandacha Shidha significantly impacted the lives of many families during major festivals such as Dashara, Diwali, and Gudi Padwa.
Earlier, beneficiaries could avail essential food supplies for just ₹100, which played a crucial role in alleviating the economic strain during festive times.
The precise reasons for the discontinuation remain unclear. However, speculation suggests that budgetary constraints resulting from the Ladli Behna scheme, which imposes a heavier financial burden on the state, played a significant role.
Impact on Beneficiaries
With Anandacha Shidha Yojana no longer operational, approximately 1.63 crore people who benefited from the scheme during the festive seasons will now miss out on vital supplies. This represents a significant setback for the poor and underprivileged sections of society.
This year, the government’s allocation for the Ladli Behna scheme has been less than the previous year’s provisions, indicating further financial strain. As the government strictly enforces new regulations, the number of eligible women beneficiaries is set to decrease, exacerbating the issue.
Furthermore, the budget presented earlier promised no increase in the benefits to female beneficiaries under the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which was initially expected to rise from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100.