Maharashtra Government Takes Key Decision to Remove Ineligible Beneficiaries

The Maharashtra Government has removed over 9 million beneficiaries from the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, triggering widespread political debate. According to officials, the action followed the verification process, with beneficiaries being removed for reasons including failure to complete e-KYC, exceeding the prescribed income limit, and not meeting the scheme's age eligibility criteria. The move affects nearly 38% of the women beneficiaries covered under the scheme.

Government data shows that around 5 to 5.5 million women failed to complete e-KYC within the deadline, while nearly 1.2 million exceeded the income ceiling and 450,000 were above the eligible age limit. Authorities also identified around 14,000 male beneficiaries, despite the scheme being exclusively meant for women, and removed their names. Meanwhile, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) raised questions regarding accounting for ₹3,541 crore spent under the scheme. Opposition parties have alleged misuse of the scheme for electoral gains, while the government maintains the verification drive was aimed at ensuring only eligible beneficiaries receive assistance.