Maharashtra's Women and Child Development Minister, Aditi Tatkare, revealed on Saturday, January 18, that the scrutiny process for the beneficiaries of the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' is underway, aided by the transport and income-tax departments. The scheme, launched under the Eknath Shinde-led government in August 2024, provides a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to women from economically weaker sections, whose family income is below Rs 2.5 lakh per year.
Tatkare disclosed that 4,500 women have applied to opt out of the scheme. The government is cross-verifying the applicants due to complaints about some beneficiaries violating the criteria, including owning multiple personal vehicles, having an income above the prescribed threshold, or working in government jobs. There are also allegations of beneficiaries relocating to other states after marriage, further fueling suspicions about bogus claims.
The cross-verification is an ongoing process and will continue, the minister assured. She further pointed out that while the scheme has over 2.43 crore beneficiaries, costing the state around Rs 3,700 crore monthly, there are valid concerns that some may be exploiting the system.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, has played a pivotal role in the success of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, but now faces mounting scrutiny as the state government seeks to ensure that the benefits are reaching only those who truly qualify.
