Close on the heels of removing 92 lakh women’s names from a welfare scheme, the Maharashtra government has decided to discontinue the ‘Captive Market Scheme’. This scheme, initiated in 2023 to provide free sarees annually to Antyodaya ration cardholders, has been shut down due to financial constraints. The Department of Textiles issued a Government Resolution confirming the permanent closure of the scheme.
The Captive Market Scheme was launched to distribute powerloom-woven sarees to economically disadvantaged families holding Antyodaya ration cards. It aimed to support the powerloom sector and provide clothing assistance to underprivileged families. Citing financial burdens and existing welfare schemes, the government order highlighted the unviability of continuing the scheme into the next financial year.
Officials revealed that the scheme catered to around 25 lakh Antyodaya ration cardholders in Maharashtra, with saree distributions usually timed around Diwali. The government allocated Rs 100 crore annually for procuring 25 lakh sarees, successfully running the scheme for three years. With the scheme now terminated, there will be no saree distribution during the upcoming Diwali festival.
The decision to end the scheme follows the Maharashtra government’s recent presentation of supplementary demands in the Legislative Assembly amid financial strain. The state’s fiscal situation, with a projected revenue deficit and outstanding debt, has led to the discontinuation of the Captive Market Scheme.
