Hyderabad, Feb. 8 -- Unlike ever before Maharashtra government is trying to trim its expenses, some wisely, some not so wisely so that it can save money to keep its flagship project, Ladki Bahin Yojana of a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 per month but hike it to Rs 2,100. It is not easy. But the government is keen on keeping its word given during the Assembly polls.

A decades-long practice in Maharashtra has been providing the annual bulky budget papers in sturdy and branded suitcases to the legislators. The intention was ease of carrying it away and the unstated purpose probably was to also use it for their travels. Accredited journalists too got it.

For the first time ever voices against it were heard for three reasons: One, the budget c...