dailyreport
On May 2, 2025, the state issued a government resolution (GR) diverting ₹410.30 crore from the Social Justice Department and ₹335.70 crore from the Tribal Development Department. These funds are intended to support the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provides ₹1,500 monthly to women from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities .
Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat of the Shiv Sena expressed strong opposition to the fund diversion, labeling it illegal and unconstitutional. He criticized the Finance Department, led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, for making unilateral decisions without consulting relevant departments. Shirsat emphasized that funds allocated for SC/ST welfare are legally earmarked and should not be repurposed without proper authorization .
