Pune: The much-anticipated "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana" was officially launched today at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Badminton Hall, Balewadi, Pune.

The event was attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, among other prominent figures including Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Cooperative Minister Dilip Walse-Patil, and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council Dr. Neelam Gorhe.

The scheme, designed to enhance the financial independence of women, improve their health and nutrition, and strengthen their role in the family, has already seen substantial participation.

Over 1.03 crore women have received funds directly into their bank accounts as part of the scheme's initial rollout. The process of disbursing benefits began on August 14, with ₹3,000 deposited into the accounts of 8 million women so far. Remaining eligible women are expected to receive their benefits by August 17.

Chief Minister Shinde expressed optimism about the scheme, stating that it will continue without interruption. Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis assured that applications submitted in September will also be considered for fund disbursement.

The "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana" provides eligible women aged 21 to 60 years with ₹1,500 per month, funded by an annual budget of ₹46,000 crores. Women who receive less than ₹1,500 from other government schemes will receive the difference through this initiative.

Since its announcement, the scheme has garnered enthusiastic support, with over 1.62 crore women registering by August 14.