Maharashtra removes over 92 lakh beneficiaries from Ladki Bahin Yojana after verification

Maharashtra Removes 92 Lakh Beneficiaries from Ladki Bahin Yojana After Verification

Maharashtra removes over 92 lakh beneficiaries – After a thorough verification process, Maharashtra’s state government has removed over 92 lakh beneficiaries from the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a welfare scheme aimed at supporting women in the state. This move has significantly trimmed the program’s beneficiary list, reducing the total count by approximately 38% as per official reports. Initially, the scheme had a base of 2.43 crore beneficiaries, but following the scrutiny, the number has been cut to over 1.5 crore. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring financial transparency and targeting eligible recipients effectively.

The verification exercise, which revealed widespread discrepancies, has led to the deletion of more than 80 lakh beneficiaries previously disclosed. According to the Indian Express, the process uncovered irregularities that necessitated a larger scale of exclusions. Officials estimate that ineligible recipients had received nearly ₹14,000 crore in payments before the scheme was suspended, with most beneficiaries receiving assistance for about 10 months on average. The revised list now reflects a more accurate representation of the scheme’s intended scope, addressing issues of mismanagement and misuse of funds.

Reasons Behind the 92 Lakh Exclusions

The exclusion of over 92 lakh beneficiaries stemmed from several factors, including the failure to meet mandatory eKYC requirements and violations of the scheme’s eligibility criteria. The verification process identified that a significant portion of the excluded individuals were not qualifying for the benefits, either due to incorrect documentation or ineligible status. Notably, 29,000 men and 8,000 government employees were found to have benefited despite being ineligible, highlighting gaps in the initial screening process. These exclusions aim to reallocate resources to those who genuinely require support under the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

CAG Scrutiny Over the Scheme

The findings from the verification align with ongoing audits conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The audit pointed out inefficiencies in the scheme’s financial management, such as an excess spending of ₹3,541 crore and ₹15,586 crore parked in government accounts without immediate allocation. These issues raised concerns about budgetary controls and the need for stricter oversight. The CAG report has urged the state government to refine its beneficiary estimates and improve the accuracy of large direct benefit transfer programs to prevent future discrepancies.

“The mandatory eKYC process could not start immediately due to the 2024 Assembly elections and the Model Code of Conduct,” explained Aditi Tatkare, the Women and Child Development Minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government. “Beneficiaries were granted multiple extensions, including until 31 December 2025, to complete the verification.”

Tatkare emphasized that the government’s decision to suspend payments was a necessary step to rectify the anomalies. The scheme, which was launched with the aim of providing monthly financial aid to women, has been a key initiative in Maharashtra’s welfare agenda. However, the delayed verification process allowed for a large number of ineligible individuals to receive benefits, undermining the program’s integrity.

The government has outlined plans to reclaim the overpaid funds from male beneficiaries and government employees, as per established protocols. This approach ensures that those who were not qualified are held accountable, while other ineligible recipients, such as women who were initially approved but later found to be non-compliant, may not be required to return the funds. The financial recalibration of the Ladki Bahin Yojana has also led to a reduction in the program’s budget, with the total amount slashed from ₹36,000 crore to ₹26,500 crore. This adjustment reflects the state’s effort to align the scheme’s spending with its revised beneficiary numbers.

The move to remove over 92 lakh beneficiaries has sparked mixed reactions. While some applaud the government’s transparency and accountability measures, others criticize the delay in verifying the scheme’s recipients. Critics argue that the extended timelines during the election period allowed for more errors, whereas supporters highlight the importance of ensuring funds are directed to the most deserving beneficiaries. The Ladki Bahin Yojana, which was initially designed to offer monthly assistance of ₹1,500, now faces the challenge of maintaining its credibility amid these changes. The government remains committed to finalizing the verification process and implementing necessary reforms to prevent similar issues in the future.