Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Wednesday that the inaugural installment of the 'Girl Sister Scheme' will be disbursed during next month's Raksha Bandhan festival. Fadnavis was in Gadchiroli district to lay the foundation stone of Surjagarh Ispat Private Limited alongside Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
After attending the event, Fadnavis told the press, 'We are working towards releasing the first installment of the 'Girl Sister Scheme' during the Raksha Bandhan festival, from August 15 to August 19.'
'Chief Minister's Little Sister' initiative will provide a monthly stipend of 1,500 rupees to married, divorced, and other dependent women between the ages of 21 and 60, with a stipulation that beneficiaries' annual family income not exceed 2.5 lakh rupees. The Raksha Bandhan festival will be celebrated on August 19th.
In response to the opposition's demand to extend the deadline for registering for the financial aid scheme, Fadnavis said applicants submitting forms by August 31st will receive their July and August installments next month. He stated, 'We will ensure no individual is exempt from the ambit of this scheme.'
Fadnavis also acknowledged the potential of Gadchiroli district. He pointed out that part of it is affected by leftist Naxalism, but emphasized that this district will contribute 30 percent to Maharashtra's steel production due to significant investment. Fadnavis said an integrated steel plant being built in Vadalapeth with an investment of 10,000 crore rupees will create employment for 7,000 individuals.
The Deputy Chief Minister added, 'This project is set to have a capacity of producing 80 lakh tonnes of steel. Similarly, the Lloyds Steel plant in Gadchiroli will have a steel production capacity of 120 lakh tonnes.' The scheme was recently announced by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in the state's budget.
