Maharashtra Government Drops 5 Lakh Women from Ladki Bahin Scheme Over Eligibility Issues

The Maharashtra government has removed five lakh women from the Ladki Bahin scheme, citing non-compliance with eligibility criteria.

Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare announced the decision on social media platform X, stating that beneficiaries who failed to meet the guidelines have been excluded. The scheme, launched ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, provides Rs 1,500 per month to women from economically weaker sections. However, a recent government review found numerous ineligible recipients availing the aid, prompting this revision.

The removed beneficiaries include 2.3 lakh women already receiving benefits under the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Scheme, 1.1 lakh women above 65 years of age, and 1.6 lakh women whose family members own a four-wheeler, those benefiting from the Namo Shakti Scheme, or those who voluntarily opted out.

The government asserts that this move ensures financial assistance reaches only those truly eligible. However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions—while some support the effort to streamline welfare programs, others express concern over potential exclusion of genuinely needy women.

Amid these developments, discussions are underway regarding a potential increase in the scheme’s financial aid. Mahayuti leaders had earlier pledged to raise the monthly amount to Rs 2,100, and many are now looking ahead to the upcoming state budget session to see if this commitment will be fulfilled.

With Maharashtra’s budget announcement expected next month, attention remains on whether the government will enhance financial support or continue refining eligibility criteria.

Tatkare shared the scrutiny results, stating: “The state government of Maharashtra is committed to extending the benefits of this scheme to all eligible women.”