The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government has approved a proposal to lower the minimum age limit for the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojna (MMSY) from 21 years to 18, officials announced on Friday. This move is expected to significantly increase the number of women benefitting from the scheme by an additional 800,000, bringing the total to 5.6 million eligible women.
Expansion Ahead of State Elections
The Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojna is a flagship initiative by the JMM-Congress-RJD government. With the upcoming assembly elections likely in November, the ruling alliance is focusing heavily on this scheme, with its think tanks touting it as a “game-changer.” According to Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel, the amendment was made to include younger women and further the scheme’s reach.
“The proposal from the Women and Child Welfare Department was approved, and with this amendment, all women above 18 years of age are now eligible for the benefits,” said Dadel.
Financial Implications
The scheme will cost ₹6,720 crore annually, with the new expansion adding an additional ₹560 crore, to be sourced from the state’s contingency funds. Under MMSY, beneficiary women receive ₹1,000 every month via direct benefit transfer (DBT), aiding women financially, particularly in rural areas.
Criticism from Opposition
While the ruling government has high hopes for the scheme, opposition parties have criticized it as a political move aimed at securing votes. The opposition claims that the benefits may not last beyond the elections. Additionally, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Jharkhand High Court, alleging misuse of public funds, although the hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Conclusion
Despite the controversy, the state government is moving full steam ahead, with over 4.5 million applications already approved for the scheme. The expansion is expected to further cement the ruling party’s standing as it prepares for a tough electoral battle.
