Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Oct 6 (Reporter) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasised on Sunday that the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' will not be closed, rather its benefit amount will be increased step by step. Speaking at inaugural ceremony of state-level various schemes under the 'Chief Minister Mahila Empowerment Mission', 'Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana Beneficiary Samman' held at Marathwada Cultural Mandal ground in Khadkeshwar area of city in presence of Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, he made it clear that the government has made sufficient financial provision for continuation of Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and this scheme will not be closed, rather the benefit amount of the same will be increased step by step. He maintained that the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has been started for empowerment of women. Through this scheme, women are being given a benefit of Rs 1,500 per month and a total of Rs 3,000 have been transferred in women beneficiaries' accounts for the months of October and November, he said and informed that earlier, Rs 4,500 for three months had been deposited in women's accounts. Being aware of poverty, the state government decided to implement this scheme to improve the lives of poor women, he said about two and a half crore women are getting the benefit of this scheme. Some women have even started small businesses from the amount received from this scheme, which has created a means of employment and financial income, Shinde said and informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also praised the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. He asserted that with the launch of this scheme, Maharashtra is a guide for the country in terms of women's empowerment. Talking about farmers, the Chief Minister said that the state government has decided to provide free electricity to agricultural pumps of up to 7.5 horse power for agriculture. Nearly 45 lakh farmers have benefited from this scheme and their electricity bills have become nil, he informed. Similarly, the Youth Job Training Scheme was launched to provide job-related training to the youths, he said and pointed that during the training period, they are being given a stipend of Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000. A large amount of investment is coming to the state and due to the industries emerging from this, the development of the state will accelerate, he averred. PM Modi has laid the foundation of projects worth more than Rs 33,000 crore in Thane and Mumbai, besides the name of Shendra's Auric City is being heard all over the world, he said. Under the Vyoshree Yojana, senior citizens will be given assistance of up to Rs 3,000 for the purchase of various equipment, added Shinde. He also mentioned that many schemes such as Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana, Free Higher Education Schme for Girls have been supporting the common people...////...