District collectors across Maharashtra have received explicit instructions to undertake comprehensive field-level physical verification of beneficiaries enrolled in the Ladki Bahin scheme who encountered difficulties in correctly completing the mandatory electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) process. This directive was officially announced by Aditi Tatkare, the state women and child development department minister, on Tuesday.
Addressing e-KYC Authentication Failures
In a detailed social media post, Minister Tatkare elaborated that although the official deadline for e-KYC submission was December 31, the government identified numerous instances where beneficiaries inadvertently selected incorrect options during the digital process. These errors have led to widespread authentication failures, potentially depriving eligible women of their entitled benefits under the scheme.
On-Ground Verification Through Anganwadi Workers
To rectify this situation and ensure that no deserving woman is excluded, district collectors have been instructed to mobilize anganwadi workers for on-ground verification of affected beneficiaries. "The objective is to ensure that only eligible women receive benefits and that genuine beneficiaries are not excluded due to technical or procedural errors," emphasized a senior official involved in the initiative.
This verification exercise is specifically designed to correct discrepancies rather than arbitrarily cancel benefits. Beneficiaries who made errors during their e-KYC submissions have been strongly urged to cooperate fully with anganwadi workers during the verification visits.
Response to Widespread Complaints
The government's proactive move follows numerous complaints from beneficiaries across several districts who reported that technical glitches and procedural hurdles prevented them from successfully completing the e-KYC process. These issues have raised significant concerns among women about potentially losing the monthly financial assistance of Rs1,500 provided under the Ladki Bahin scheme.
Pune Beneficiary Shares Experience
In Pune, one affected beneficiary shared her experience with local media, revealing that she has not received any assistance for the past four months despite having completed the e-KYC requirements. Expressing hope for resolution, she stated, "The field-level verification by anganwadi workers will help us overcome these challenges and ensure we receive our rightful benefits."
Officials have clarified that anganwadi workers will conduct visits at the local level to verify beneficiary details according to the scheme's established eligibility criteria. This hands-on approach aims to bridge the gap between digital processes and ground realities, ensuring that the welfare scheme reaches its intended recipients without disruption.
