Beneficiaries of Maharashtra’s Laadki Bahin scheme down by 73 lakh after e-KYC drive

Mumbai: The beneficiaries of the state’s flagship scheme for underprivileged women, the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Laadki Bahin Yojana which powered the Mahayuti government’s return to power in 2024, have reduced by an estimated 73 lakh. The numbers have reduced from 2.43 crore in September 2025 to around 1.7 crore by May 2026, official sources said.The decline is mainly on account of an e-KYC scheme which was introduced in September 2025 and concluded by the end of April. And the scrutiny of beneficiaries on other parameters including income criteria, being part of other government schemes, owning a four-wheeler or being a government employee.Sources say the largest chunk of beneficiaries amounting to around 50 lakh were trimmed after they did not submit e-KYC applications or the e-KYC forms resulted in ineligibility.In addition, around 12 lakh beneficiaries were found to have crossed the income limit of an annual family income of Rs 2.5 lakh. Around 5 lakh women were trimmed on the basis of RTO data since those with a 4-wheeler are debarred from the scheme. Another 5 lakh beneficiaries were found to be receiving benefits under the Namo Shetkari Yojana, while around 4.5 lakh women had crossed the age limit of 65 years.The Opposition has targeted the government. “How is the government going to retrieve all the money that went into the wrong hands?” asked Sushama Andhare of Shiv Sena (UBT). “The government has enough money to issue advertisements and continue foreign tours. But it seems it doesn’t have enough money to give women their Rs 1,500 Laadki stipend,” said Rohini Khadse of NCP (SP).Minister of state for women and child welfare Meghana Bordikar told the media, “Needy women have not been removed from the scheme. Only those who did not fit the criteria or submit e-KYC forms have been removed.”Sources said that even after completing the e-KYC details, several beneficiaries have not received their stipend. The state is verifying any specific complaints on this. It is also examining complaints that some debarred for having 4-wheelers in the family do not have these. Single women who were debarred from the Laadki scheme on account of being part of multiple schemes are being assisted to apply to the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana.The Laadki Bahin scheme provides a stipend of Rs 1,500 per month to married, divorced, widowed, deserted, and destitute women whose annual family income is below Rs 2.5 lakh and who are domiciled in the state. One eligible unmarried woman from each family is also considered for the scheme. It is meant for women between the ages of 21 and 65 years.