The number of beneficiaries under the Maharashtra government's flagship scheme for underprivileged women, the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Laadki Bahin Yojana, has decreased by an estimated 73 lakh. This scheme played a significant role in the Mahayuti government's return to power in the 2024 state elections. According to official sources, the beneficiary count dropped from 2.43 crore in September 2025 to approximately 1.7 crore by May 2026.
Reasons for the Decline
The primary reason for this reduction is the introduction of an e-KYC scheme in September 2025, which concluded by the end of April. Additionally, beneficiaries were scrutinized on other parameters such as income criteria, participation in other government schemes, ownership of a four-wheeler, or being a government employee.
Sources indicate that the largest chunk, around 50 lakh beneficiaries, were removed because they either did not submit e-KYC applications or their e-KYC forms resulted in ineligibility. Furthermore, approximately 12 lakh beneficiaries were found to have an annual family income exceeding the limit of Rs 2.5 lakh. Around 5 lakh women were excluded based on RTO data, as those owning a four-wheeler are disqualified from the scheme. Another 5 lakh beneficiaries were receiving benefits under the Namo Shetkari Yojana, and about 4.5 lakh women had crossed the age limit of 65 years.
Opposition's Reaction
The opposition has criticized the government over this development. Sushama Andhare of Shiv Sena (UBT) questioned, “How is the government going to retrieve all the money that went into the wrong hands?” Rohini Khadse of NCP (SP) added, “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.”
Government's Response
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 regarding this. It is also examining complaints that some women debarred for having four-wheelers in the family do not actually own them. Single women who were debarred from the Laadki scheme due to being part of multiple schemes are being assisted to apply to the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana.
About the Laadki Bahin Scheme
The Laadki Bahin scheme provides a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 to married, divorced, widowed, deserted, and destitute women whose annual family income is below Rs 2.5 lakh and who are domiciled in Maharashtra. One eligible unmarried woman from each family is also considered for the scheme. It is intended for women between the ages of 21 and 65 years.
