Ladki Bahin 2.0, higher pension, lower electric bill: Here's what Maharashtra can expect from the new govt

Mahayuti’s performance in Maharashtra has turned heads. The BJP-led alliance has done the unexpected in the state by sailing way past the majority mark of 145 to win 234 out of the 288 seats.

Several factors played into Mahayuti’s historic win in the state. While voters gave their support to the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde)-NCP (Ajit Pawar) alliance based on its performance and after encashing the benefits of the existing schemes, there are a lot of things to look forward to in the next five years.

Here’s what to expect from the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra:

• The Ladki Bahin scheme was a game-changer for the saffron alliance. It drew female voters close to Mahayuti which provided a huge impetus for its win. The coalition government will raise financial assistance to beneficiaries from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500

• Mahayuti has promised to offer loan waivers to farmers and the Samman Nidhi will be increased from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000. A 20 per cent price alignment on MSP has also been proposed

• Old age pension will also be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. A policy named “Senior Citizens First” will be implemented to ensure automated services for the elderly

• The government will build pakka houses and make housing affordable for the poor and homeless in the next five years

• Students of Maharashtra will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 as the government strives to create more than 25 lakh jobs

• The Marathwada Water Grid project will be set afoot and it aims to connect 11 dams with a network of sealed pipelines, ensuring a consistent water supply across the entire Marathwada region

• Electricity bills will be reduced by 30 per cent with the government promising to light up homes with solar and renewable energy

• Healthcare will be made available to everyone, with the expansion of the Prime Minister’s Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Mahatma Phule Janarogya Yojana, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent anyone from receiving medical care

• A dedicated initiative will be launched to support the rehabilitation of all ex-servicemen, the families of martyrs, and police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty