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Ahead of BMC Elections, Mahayuti Government Relaunches MVA’s Popular Shiv Bhojan Thali Scheme
- by Webdesk
- 08 Nov 2025
Source: The Times Of India
Ahead of the upcoming local body elections, the Mahayuti government has decided to bring back the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme, a flagship initiative originally launched by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. The move comes after a long pause in the scheme’s operation due to financial difficulties and lack of budgetary support. Earlier, the Mahayuti administration had nearly shelved the scheme citing budgetary constraints, but in a renewed effort, it has now sanctioned ₹21 crore to restart the project. According to officials, the total allocation for the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme stands at ₹70 crore, out of which ₹28 crore has already been released, including ₹21 crore disbursed in September.
Launched with the purpose of offering affordable, nutritious meals to the poor and needy, the Shiv Bhojan Thali programme had been struggling for months due to non-payment of dues and lack of funds. Operators of several Shiv Bhojan centres across the state reported that they had not received payments for nearly eight months, which pushed many of them into financial hardship. Frustrated by the delay, the union representing the Shiv Bhojan Centre owners had even written to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the government to clear pending dues immediately and ensure the continuation of the scheme.
The Mahayuti government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, had quietly discontinued the scheme earlier in March this year. The Shiv Bhojan Thali initiative was first introduced by then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on January 26, 2020, under the MVA administration. However, during Ajit Pawar’s budget presentation this year, the scheme was notably omitted from the financial plan, signalling its discontinuation at the time.
The state exchequer had been bearing a monthly cost of around ₹14 crore for running the programme. Initially, beneficiaries could buy a meal for ₹5, which was later increased to ₹10. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government went a step further and offered the meals free of cost, making it one of the most appreciated welfare schemes of that period.
According to official government data, at the peak of its implementation, the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme distributed around 2 lakh thalis every day through 1,904 centres across Maharashtra. Each plate typically included a full vegetarian meal, ensuring that low-income citizens had access to at least one wholesome and hygienic meal per day.
The recent revival of the scheme follows pressure from multiple political leaders, including NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who serves as the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies. Bhujbal had taken up the issue directly with CM Fadnavis, insisting that the Shiv Bhojan Thali should not be discontinued since it benefits thousands of poor citizens daily.
As per the latest Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, a grant of ₹70 crore has been approved for the financial year 2025–26 to operate the scheme on a subsidised basis. Out of this, ₹28 crore has already been made available by the Finance Department, and departments have been instructed to use the funds strictly for the intended purpose. The GR also clearly mentions that the allocated funds must not be diverted for any other use.
The order further states that once the grant is received, the concerned department must ensure that all necessary actions regarding spending are taken within ten days. If the funds remain unutilised, they will be reclaimed and reallocated to other districts based on requirement.
Currently, each Shiv Bhojan thali costs ₹50, but beneficiaries are required to pay only ₹10 per plate. The remaining ₹40 per meal is subsidised by the state government, which transfers the amount to the operators of the centres. To maintain transparency and prevent misuse of funds, the government has made it mandatory to install CCTV cameras at all Shiv Bhojan centres. These surveillance systems are expected to ensure that food is distributed honestly and efficiently without any malpractice.
The reintroduction of the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme, especially just months before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, is seen by many as a strategic political move. Analysts suggest that reviving a welfare programme with strong emotional and social appeal could help the Mahayuti alliance connect better with economically weaker sections and urban voters.
While the decision has drawn mixed political reactions, many citizens and centre operators have welcomed the move, hoping that it will not only provide affordable meals to the poor but also help stabilise the livelihood of those running the centres. With funds released and clear guidelines in place, the scheme is now expected to restart operations across the state within the next few weeks.
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