Maharashtra Forest Minister Confirms Ladki Bahin Scheme Will Continue Despite Fiscal Strain

Maharashtra's Forest Minister Ganesh Naik acknowledged that the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides Rs 1,500 monthly to eligible women, is causing fiscal strain on other government departments but affirmed the scheme will continue. To address financial pressures, the Forest Department plans to raise a Rs 6,000 crore loan against its teakwood assets valued at Rs 12,000 crore, using proceeds from timber sales to service the loan and fund infrastructure and staff benefits.