Stringent Guidelines and Cross-Scheme Verification Lead to Decline in Beneficiaries; Activists Raise Concerns Over Impact on Vulnerable Women
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — Nearly five lakh women above the age of 65 have been excluded from Maharashtra’s flagship financial assistance scheme, the ‘Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ due to stringent eligibility rules that prevent beneficiaries from availing multiple government schemes simultaneously. Official data reveals that the number of women benefiting from the scheme dropped from 2.46 crore in December 2024 to 2.41 crore by the end of January 2025.
The scheme, which provides financial assistance to women aged 21 to 65, has seen a significant reduction in beneficiaries due to a combination of age limits, voluntary withdrawals, and cross-scheme exclusions. Around 1.5 lakh women turned 65 in January, automatically disqualifying them from the programme. Additionally, approximately 5,000 women voluntarily informed the government that their family income had increased or they had moved out of Maharashtra, leading to their removal from the beneficiary list.
Further scrutiny revealed that nearly two lakh women enrolled in the Ladki Bahin Yojana were also receiving benefits under the ‘Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana,’ which provides Rs 1,500 per month to widows, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable groups. Since the rules prohibit beneficiaries from receiving more than Rs 1,500 in total from multiple schemes, these women were removed from the Ladki Behan Yojana.
Authorities estimate that an additional five to six lakh women may be excluded during ongoing verification processes. Many of these women are likely beneficiaries of the ‘Namo Shetkari Mahasaman Yojana,’ a scheme offering financial aid to farmers. Women receiving Rs 1,000 under this scheme will see their Ladki Behan Yojana assistance reduced to Rs 500 to ensure their total monthly aid does not exceed Rs 1,500.
Despite assurances from Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare that a thorough verification process would not be conducted, the government has removed ineligible beneficiaries based on complaints or voluntary disclosures. “The aim is to ensure that assistance reaches the right beneficiaries. Women receiving benefits from multiple schemes exceeding the Rs 1,500 threshold will not be eligible under the Ladki Behan Yojana,” a senior government official stated.
The verification process is also examining other factors, including whether beneficiaries own a four-wheeler, have a family income exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh annually, reside in Maharashtra, and have matching Aadhaar and bank account details. Women employed in government jobs are also ineligible.
While the government maintains that these measures are necessary to prevent misuse of funds, social activists argue that the exclusions could harm vulnerable women who rely on these schemes for financial stability. “Many of these women are from marginalised backgrounds. Excluding them from such schemes could push them further into poverty,” said a Mumbai-based social worker.
As the verification process continues, thousands more women may lose their benefits, raising concerns about the scheme’s reach and impact. However, the government insists that the move is aimed at optimising resource allocation and ensuring aid reaches the most deserving individuals.
“We understand the concerns, but it is crucial to ensure that public funds are used effectively. The verification process is designed to eliminate duplication and misuse,” the official added.
