The Maharashtra government recently rolled out the Ladka Bhau Yojana, aiming to empower young men throughout the state. This initiative was officially announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on July 17, 2024, and marks the state’s commitment to aiding its youth, especially considering the prior success of its counterpart, the Ladli Behna Yojana, which focused on supporting young women.
Targeting the region's unemployed youth, the program promises compensation of ₹10,000 each month during their training period. This financial aid intends to facilitate their transition from unemployment to gainful employment, allowing participants to take the first steps toward establishing independent careers.
With the overarching goal of improving employability among young men between the ages of 18 and 35, the Ladka Bhau Yojana brings vocational training to the forefront. It acknowledges the dire need for professional skills development amid increasing competition and rising unemployment rates.
The scheme’s structure is simple yet powerful. Unemployed youths will be provided with free vocational training, supplemented by monthly stipends corresponding to their educational qualifications. For example, those who have completed the 12th grade will earn ₹6,000 monthly, ITI graduates will receive ₹8,000, and graduates or postgraduates will secure ₹10,000 per month during the six-month training program.
On top of the financial benefits, this initiative also emphasizes hands-on training, equipping candidates with practical skills necessary for various job markets. The total budget allocation for this program stands at ₹5,500 crore, underscoring the state’s investment in its youth as it seeks actively to combat poverty and unemployment.
Eligibility for the program is straightforward. Candidates must be residents of Maharashtra, fall within the specified age bracket, and possess at least a 12th-grade qualification or its equivalent through ITI or college education. Essential documentation includes proof of residency, educational qualifications, and links to their Aadhar cards and bank accounts for direct fund transfers.
Additional documents required include identity proof, age certificates, and passport-sized photographs. Interested candidates can apply online via the dedicated portal established for the Yojana.
The online application process is user-friendly and structured. Prospective applicants begin by visiting the official Ladka Bhau Yojana platform, selecting the 'New User Registration' option, and filling out the provided form with accurate details. They will also need to upload the necessary documents before submitting their application.
Once registered, candidates will undergo interviews and are shortlisted based on their submitted information. Successful candidates will receive appointment letters confirming their participation and subsequent training.
To help navigate the application process or for any inquiries, learners can seek guidance from their local District Skill Development Centers or reach out to the helpline at 1800 120 8040.
The introduction of the Ladka Bhau Yojana is seen as timely, especially as the state gears up for forthcoming assembly elections. The government is utilizing it not just as a means of curbing unemployment, but as part of a broader strategy to create sustainable economic growth through empowering its youth.
This scheme may very well be the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at fostering blue-collar and vocational skills among the youth of Maharashtra, thereby creating not just individual opportunities but also contributing to the state’s economy as a whole. By attending to the needs of this demographic with targeted financial support and training, the Maharashtra government aims to build more resilient and capable youth, ready to participate actively in the state's growth stories.
Importantly, this effort to encourage self-dependence and provide practical skill training is anticipated to promote entrepreneurship as well, helping young men and women alike to launch their own ventures.
