Maharashtra to Use SC and ST Sub-Plan Funds for Farmer Welfare Scheme

The Maharashtra government has decided to partly fund its Namo Shetkari Maha Sanman Nidhi (NSMSN) scheme, which provides Rs 6,000 annually to farmers, by using allocations from the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) sub-plans starting 2026-27. This move aims to ease pressure on the general budget amid rising welfare expenditures. The shift follows a similar approach used for the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. Officials state the funding aligns with policy to allocate personal benefit scheme costs to departments corresponding to beneficiary categories.