The Maharashtra government has tightened the rules for its flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a welfare scheme aimed at empowering women with monthly financial assistance. From now on, beneficiaries must complete mandatory e-KYC verification to continue receiving the scheme’s benefits.

Launched on June 28, 2024, the scheme provides a monthly financial aid of ₹1,500 to eligible women. The primary objective is to support women financially and enhance their economic independence.

The scheme covers women between 21 and 65 years of age from families with an annual income of less than ₹2.5 lakh. This includes married women, widows, divorcees, deserted women, and single dependent women. Importantly, only one unmarried woman per family is eligible.

The state government recently discovered over 26 lakh ineligible beneficiaries availing benefits under the scheme, including several men. To curb such misuse and ensure that only deserving women receive assistance, the government has made Aadhaar-based e-KYC mandatory.

Beneficiaries now have two months to complete their e-KYC process. Failure to do so will result in payment being withheld. Moreover, e-KYC will not be a one-time requirement—beneficiaries will need to update their verification every year to keep receiving support.

To qualify for the Ladki Bahin Yojana, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

• Must be a resident of Maharashtra.

• Should be 21 to 65 years old.

• Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account.

• Can be married, widowed, divorced, deserted, or dependent.

• Only one unmarried woman per household can apply.

• Family’s annual income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.

Applicants need to ensure their personal details—such as name, birth date, and address—match their Aadhaar records. The following documents are required for verification:

• Aadhaar Card

• Domicile Certificate or alternative proof such as a 15-year-old ration card, driving license, birth certificate, or school leaving certificate

• Bank account details

• Registered mobile number

Women who are unable to complete the online process themselves can seek free help at several government-supported centers. Assistance is available through:

• Anganwadi workers

• Supervisors and chief workers

• Setu Seva Kendras

• Gram Sevaks

• Resource persons

• ASHA workers

• Ward officers

• Urban mission managers

• Municipal balwadi workers

• Help desk heads

• Aaple Sarkar service centers

No service fee will be charged for filing or verification assistance.

According to official updates, the scheme has already received over 1.12 crore applications. Of these, more than 1.06 crore applications have been approved, making Ladki Bahin Yojana one of the largest women-centric welfare schemes in the state.

The e-KYC mandate marks an important step to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. Eligible women are urged to complete the verification within the stipulated two-month window to avoid disruption in benefits. With financial support of ₹1,500 per month, the scheme continues to be a lifeline for millions of women across Maharashtra.