Mumbai: The number of beneficiaries under the state's flagship scheme for underprivileged women, the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Laadki Bahin Yojana, has dropped by an estimated 73 lakh. This scheme had significantly contributed to the Mahayuti government's return to power in the 2024 elections. Official sources indicate that the beneficiary count decreased from 2.43 crore in September 2025 to approximately 1.7 crore by May 2026.
Reasons for the Decline
The reduction is primarily attributed to the introduction of an e-KYC process in September 2025, which concluded by the end of April. Additionally, beneficiaries were scrutinized on various parameters, including income criteria, participation in other government schemes, ownership of a four-wheeler, or being a government employee.
According to sources, the largest segment of beneficiaries, around 50 lakh, were removed because they either did not submit e-KYC applications or their e-KYC forms rendered them ineligible. Furthermore, approximately 12 lakh beneficiaries were found to have exceeded the annual family income limit of Rs 2.5 lakh. Around 5 lakh women were excluded based on RTO data, as those owning a four-wheeler are barred from the scheme. Another 5 lakh beneficiaries were receiving benefits under the Namo Shetkari Yojana, while about 4.5 lakh women had surpassed the age limit of 65 years.
Opposition's Reaction
The opposition has criticized the government's actions. 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) remarked, “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 Ladki stipend.”
Government's Response
Minister of State for Women and Child Welfare Meghana Bordikar stated, “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 added that even after completing e-KYC, several beneficiaries have not received their stipend. The state is verifying 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 excluded from the Laadki scheme due to being part of multiple schemes are being assisted in applying to the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana.
About the 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 the state. One eligible unmarried woman from each family is also considered. The scheme is intended for women aged between 21 and 65 years.
