Maharashtra Govt Sets Two-Month Deadline for Ladki Bahin Yojana e-KYC Completion

Fast Summary

• The Maharashtra Government has mandated e-KYC for beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme, giving a two-month deadline for completion.
• The scheme provides ₹1,500 per month to women aged 21-65 with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh.
• The e-KYC process can be completed on the website ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in.
• Aadhaar authentication is required for continued benefits; failure will result in withholding payments.
• Verification must be completed annually as part of the new procedure to maintain eligibility.
• This step aims to ensure transparency after reports revealed that 26.34 lakh ineligible beneficiaries, including men, were enrolled and receiving allowances under the scheme.
• Currently, 2.25 crore women are benefiting from this program launched in July 2024.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The introduction of mandatory e-KYC verification reflects the Maharashtra GovernmentS initiative to enhance accountability and reduce misuse of welfare funds under its Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme. The revelation that over 26 lakh ineligible individuals had been drawing benefits underscores challenges in implementing targeted welfare schemes effectively.

From an administrative perspective, linking Aadhaar for annual verifications adds a layer of assurance against fraud but coudl pose accessibility hurdles for marginalized groups unfamiliar with digital processes. Ensuring robust support systems-such as help centers or guidance tools-is crucial so eligible beneficiaries do not face disruptions.

This measure also signals broader efforts towards digitized governance across social schemes, possibly creating models scalable to other programs nationally.However, maintaining transparency while making such meaningful policy shifts ensures fair inclusion remains vital.

Read more: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/