Maharashtra: More than 92 Lakh Names Removed from “Ladki Bahin” Scheme Beneficiary List
NEW DELHI, July 13: The names of more than 92 lakh recipient women have been removed from the Maharashtra government’s ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ an women’s welfare scheme introduced by the Devendra Fadnavis government, due to irregularities found in enrolment process.
According to the official sources on Monday, the number of names removed has crossed the 92-lakh mark from amongst the initial beneficiary count of 2.4 crore, a reduction of approximately 38%.
The sources said the reduction was not solely due to the failure to complete mandatory procedures; the numbers also dropped due to various reasons related to eligibility criteria and other irregularities.
Approximately 50 to 55 lakh women failed to complete the e-KYC process within the stipulated timeframe. In addition, more than 12 lakh women exceeded the annual family income limit to receive the assistance and over 4.5 lakh women were above the maximum age limit of 65 years. Additionally, around 14,000 men attempted to avail themselves of the scheme’s benefits by assuming feminine names were consequently removed from the list.
The highest number of removals – 28 lakh women – occurred in Beed district alone. According to a senior official, the government had granted beneficiaries a period of about eight months to complete the e-KYC process. Many women were unable to complete this procedure during that time, resulting in the removal of approximately 55 lakh names.
About 12 lakh women were identified as income taxpayers, with annual incomes exceeding ₹2.5 lakh. Approximately 5 lakh women were already receiving benefits under the ‘Namo Shetkari Yojana’. It has been clarified that the final number of beneficiaries will be determined only after a re-verification process. Furthermore, grievances from beneficiaries who believe their names were removed erroneously are also being investigated.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) published a report last Friday warning that the expenditure incurred on this scheme could place a heavy burden on the state’s financial position. The CAG also noted that the expenditure of ₹3,541 crore incurred under this scheme cannot be justified. Spending on women’s welfare has risen from ₹261.78 crore in 2023-24 to ₹33,554.36 crore in 2024-25. The government approved this scheme on June 28, 2024.
(Manas Dasgupta)
