Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 2: Major irregularities have reportedly surfaced in Maharashtra's flagship welfare initiative, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, following an internal verification exercise that identified several categories of allegedly ineligible beneficiaries.
According to sources, one of the most striking findings was that around 16,000 male applicants had allegedly registered themselves as women to avail benefits under the scheme.
The review also reportedly found about 74,000 beneficiaries below the minimum eligible age of 21 years and nearly 2 lakh women above the upper age limit of 65 years.
Financial eligibility checks are said to have uncovered further discrepancies, with around 10 lakh beneficiaries either having annual family incomes exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh or filing income tax returns, factors that would ordinarily make them ineligible for the scheme.
The verification exercise also reportedly flagged approximately 4.5 lakh beneficiaries whose family members were employed in government service and nearly 2 lakh applicants who owned four-wheeler vehicles, both considered indicators of financial stability under welfare eligibility norms.
Another major concern highlighted in the review was the non-completion of mandatory e-KYC verification by more than 62 lakh registered beneficiaries despite multiple extensions granted by the authorities.
Despite the reported irregularities, around 1.60 crore women continue to receive benefits under the scheme across Maharashtra.
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched by the Maharashtra government in 2024 to provide financial assistance to women through direct benefit transfers.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Rs 1,500 per month directly into their bank accounts. The initiative aims to improve women's financial independence, support health and nutrition needs, and strengthen their socio-economic status.
To qualify, applicants must be residents of Maharashtra, aged between 21 and 65 years, and belong to families with an annual income generally not exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh. The scheme covers married, widowed, divorced, abandoned and unmarried women, subject to prescribed conditions.
The state government has not yet issued an official statement on the findings of the reported review. The verification process and scrutiny of beneficiary records are expected to continue.