In a recent development from Maharashtra, the number of beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Laadki Bahin Yojana has reportedly dropped largely after the state government introduced compulsory eKYC verification, reported Times of India.
The total number of women who received the latest payment of the scheme declined by Rs 86 lakh compared to previous figures, the newspaper reported, quoting officials related to the development.
The Mahayuti government (BJP, NCP (AP), Shiv Sena (ES)) had listed more than 2.4 crore women as beneficiaries of the flagship Laadki Bahin scheme until last year.
However, only around 1.6 crore women received the payout for December 2025, which was credited in mid-January. This marked a fall of 86 lakh beneficiaries from the earlier total, the report added.
Officials said the number of beneficiaries under consideration also reduced by about 55 lakh. Out of the 2.4 crore listed beneficiaries, only around 1.9 crore women submitted their eKYC documents between September 2025 and the deadline of Dec. 31, 2025.
Among them, nearly 1.6 crore women whose eKYC details were found correct received the December 2025 stipend. Authorities said corrections in the submitted eKYC forms can be made through an online portal until March 31.
Why Did This Decline Happen?
According to officials cited by the newspaper, many women filled the eKYC form incorrectly because of a poorly worded question that contained a confusing double negative.
The question stated, “No one in your family works for the government, right?”
Several applicants who did not have any family members in government service mistakenly answered “Yes” instead of selecting “No,” which affected their eligibility status.Beneficiaries also faced delays in receiving the January stipend of Rs 1,500 under the scheme, which had not been credited until Feb. 18.
Furthermore, officials also explained that the delay occurred because funds for the scheme had not been fully received from various departments involved in disbursal. A senior official said the finance department releases funds through multiple departments, and transfers routed through the social welfare department often take more time.
What is the Laadki Bahin Yojana?
The Laadki Bahin Yojana was launched to provide financial support of Rs 1,500 per month to economically weaker women aged between 18 and 65 years, with an annual family income below Rs 2.5 lakh belonging to the state.
Launched in July 20204, the scheme played an important role in the Mahayuti alliance returning to power in the 2024 state assembly elections.
Post elections, the Maharashtra government began reviewing the scheme to remove ineligible beneficiaries, as the state's finances came under pressure due to pre-poll welfare spending.
Beneficiaries were screened based on eligibility conditions such as the Rs 2.5 lakh annual family income limit and domicile status. Women owning four-wheeler vehicles or having government jobs were also excluded from the scheme.
During the last budget, the state's total debt reached about Rs 9.3 lakh crore. With the next budget scheduled in March, officials indicated that the government may tighten spending, which could further affect the implementation of welfare schemes.
ALSO READ | Technical Outage Disrupts Flight Operations At Delhi, Mumbai And Other Airports
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
