The Maharashtra government is considering the discontinuation of two significant welfare initiatives, the Shiv Bhojan Thali and Anandacha Shidha schemes, as part of its strategy to navigate the state’s escalating financial challenges.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive review of these programs, with a definitive decision anticipated during the upcoming budget session in March.
SHIV BHOJAN THALI SCHEME
Initiated in 2020, the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme aims to deliver affordable meals to the underprivileged. The program offers a complete meal thali, which includes two chapatis, vegetables, rice, and dal, at a heavily subsidized rate of just Rs 10.
According to the latest data, the scheme boasts:
- 1,699 eateries providing Shiv Bhojan thalis throughout the state
- 1,88,463 authorized thalis
- Approximately 1,80,000 meals served daily
- Aiming to reach a target of 2 lakh thalis each day
The annual cost for serving 2 lakh plates of Shiv Bhojan is around Rs 267 crores. Former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has emphasized that this amount is minimal compared to the valuable support it extends to the impoverished population.
ANANDACHA SHIDHA SCHEME
The Anandacha Shidha scheme is designed to distribute festival kits containing essential items to beneficiaries during occasions like Diwali, Gudhi Padwa, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti. Each kit includes six vital commodities:
- 1 kg Sugar
- 1 liter of edible oil
- 500 grams of Rava
- 500 grams of Chana dal
- 500 grams of Maida
- 500 grams of Poha
These kits are provided at a subsidized cost of Rs 100 per kit, with the annual expenses for the Anandacha Shidha scheme estimated at approximately Rs 161 crores for 2022, Rs 159 crores for 2023, and Rs 160 crores for 2024.
OPPOSITION CALLS FOR SCHEMES’ CONTINUATION
Opposition leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad, have voiced their opposition to the potential discontinuation of these programs, asserting that they are crucial for the support of the poor and underprivileged.
Bhujbal has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the continuation of the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme, emphasizing its importance for the state’s disadvantaged citizens. Awhad has also criticized the government for its expenditure on advertisements for various schemes while contemplating cuts to these essential welfare programs.
