Maharashtra’s flagship ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ could face a major clean-up, as an ongoing verification drive is likely to identify a large number of ineligible beneficiaries. According to a preliminary estimate, over 65 lakh out of the initial 2.46 crore beneficiaries may have failed the state’s verification drive. The deadline for completing e-KYC, which expired on March 31, has now been extended till April 30.
The scheme
In 2024, before the Assembly elections, then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The scheme offers financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month to women from the weaker sections of society.
Allegations of misuse
Initially, around 2.46 crore beneficiaries were enrolled when the scheme was launched, reportedly without verification. Later, following complaints that ineligible women, government employees, and even men were availing benefits under the women’s welfare scheme, the state government initiated a verification drive.
The exclusion
According to a rough estimate, more than 65 lakh have been found ineligible for failing to meet the criteria. The e-KYC process verification drive may lead to further removal of beneficiaries who do not meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility criteria
Women aged 21 to 65 years from families with an annual income below R2.5 lakh are eligible for the scheme. However, those are ineligible if a family member is an income taxpayer, a permanent government employee, or a pensioner, or if they are already receiving benefits from other government financial schemes. Additionally, women from families that own a four-wheeler (except a tractor) do not qualify.
Five lakh accounts deleted
In February 2025, nearly five lakh beneficiary accounts were deleted from the scheme. These include:
1.10 lakh
women above 65 years of age
2.30 lakh
beneficiaries of Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana
1.60 lakh
women from families owning four-wheelers
