Why Have Nearly 26.34 Lakh Beneficiaries Been Declared Ineligible Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana faces scrutiny as 26.34 lakh beneficiaries are deemed ineligible for assistance. With financial aid on hold, the government aims to investigate fraud claims and ensure that only rightful beneficiaries receive the monthly support.
Key Takeaways
- 26.34 lakh beneficiaries declared ineligible for aid.
- Temporary suspension of Rs 1,500 monthly benefit.
- Estimated loss of Rs 4,800 crore due to ineligible claims.
- Verification to be conducted by District Collectors.
- Commitment to continue the Ladki Bahin Yojana for eligible beneficiaries.
Mumbai, July 28 (NationPress) Maharashtra Minister of Women and Child Welfare Aditi Tatkare announced that from the 2.52 crore beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched prior to the Assembly elections, 26.34 lakh women were receiving monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 despite their ineligibility. Consequently, the government has put a temporary hold on their financial aid pending further investigation.
Additionally, reports indicate that 14,298 men have also benefited from the scheme.
Department estimates suggest that the financial loss due to ineligible beneficiaries availing of the monthly aid could amount to approximately Rs 4,800 crore to date.
Tatkare stated in her post on X on Sunday night, “Investigations revealed that numerous beneficiaries were receiving benefits from multiple schemes, with some families having more than two beneficiaries, and in certain instances, men had applied for the scheme.
“In light of this information, benefits for these 26.34 lakh applicants have been temporarily suspended starting June 2025. Furthermore, the government has already disbursed the Rs 1,500 aid for June to around 2.25 crore eligible beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
“The verification of the 26.34 lakh beneficiaries whose benefits have been suspended will be conducted by the respective District Collectors, and those deemed eligible will have their benefits reinstated by the government.”
She further mentioned, “A suitable decision regarding actions to be taken against fraudulent beneficiaries who have misled the government will be made after consultations with Honorable Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Saheb, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Saheb, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar.”
Sources within the department confirmed efforts to obtain information from various other government departments to identify all eligible applicants within this scheme.
According to data from the Information and Technology Department, 26.34 lakh beneficiaries have been identified as ineligible, and their aid has been suspended until further investigation.
Earlier scrutiny had already found about five lakh beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana ineligible due to receiving benefits from other schemes or exceeding the age limit.
Among the five lakh ineligible beneficiaries, 30,000 were from the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana, 1.10 lakh women over 65 years of age, and 1.60 lakh beneficiaries of the Namoshakti Yojana.
In a rally held late Sunday night in Ratnagiri district, Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde assured that the government will not discontinue the Ladki Bahin Yojana, reaffirming its commitment to providing a monthly benefit of Rs 1,500 to eligible women beneficiaries.
Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has allocated a significant Rs 36,000 crore for the implementation of the Ladki Bahin Yojana in his annual budget for 2025-26.
Point of View
It must also ensure that eligible beneficiaries continue to receive their support without undue disruption.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What action is being taken for ineligible beneficiaries?
The government has temporarily suspended the monthly aid of Rs 1,500 to the 26.34 lakh ineligible beneficiaries until further verification is conducted.
How many beneficiaries were declared ineligible under the scheme?
A total of 26.34 lakh beneficiaries have been found ineligible for the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
What is the total financial loss estimated due to ineligible beneficiaries?
The estimated financial loss due to ineligible beneficiaries availing the monthly benefit is around Rs 4,800 crore.
Who is responsible for verifying the eligibility of beneficiaries?
The verification of the 26.34 lakh beneficiaries will be conducted by the respective District Collectors.
Will the Ladki Bahin Yojana be discontinued?
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has confirmed that the government will not discontinue the Ladki Bahin Yojana and remains committed to supporting eligible beneficiaries.
