In a major verification drive, the Maharashtra government has closed around 68 lakh beneficiary accounts under the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme due to failure in completing mandatory e-KYC formalities. The move comes as part of efforts to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance under the welfare program.

Massive Account Closure After Verification Drive

Officials confirmed that out of approximately 2.43 crore registered accounts, nearly 68 lakh accounts have been deactivated for not completing the required e-KYC process within the stipulated deadline.

As a result, the number of active beneficiaries has now dropped to around 1.75 crore.

The initial deadline for completing e-KYC was March 31, 2026, but the government has now extended it to April 30, 2026, offering another opportunity for eligible users to comply.

Why Were the Accounts Closed?

The action follows multiple complaints regarding ineligible individuals receiving benefits. Authorities found that:

• Some male applicants were wrongly included
• Certain government employees were listed as beneficiaries
• Incorrect or incomplete documentation was submitted

To address these issues, the government initiated a strict verification process, making e-KYC mandatory for all beneficiaries.

What Is the Ladki Bahin Scheme?

The ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme is a flagship welfare initiative by the Maharashtra government aimed at supporting economically weaker women.

Under this scheme:

• Eligible women receive ₹1,500 per month
• Funds are directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts
• The scheme targets financial empowerment and social security

Budget Impact and Financial Implications

The government currently spends nearly ₹3,700 crore per month on the scheme. With the reduction in active accounts, there could be a noticeable impact on total expenditure.

For the financial year 2026–27, the allocation for the scheme has been set at around ₹26,000 crore, compared to ₹36,000 crore in 2025–26.

This indicates a shift toward tighter control and better targeting of funds.

e-KYC Deadline Extended Again

Authorities have clarified that beneficiaries who missed the earlier deadline can still complete their e-KYC by April 30, 2026.

Officials also noted that the number of closed accounts may change depending on how many users complete the process within the extended timeline.

Errors During Verification Process

During the verification phase, a significant issue arose due to incorrect responses in a Marathi-language questionnaire. As a result:

• Over 24 lakh beneficiaries were initially flagged as government employees
• After re-evaluation, around 20 lakh accounts were found eligible
• Verification for remaining cases is still ongoing

Government’s Assurance to Beneficiaries

State leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, have assured that:

• The scheme will not be discontinued
• No recovery will be made from beneficiaries who were wrongly included earlier
• Efforts will continue to ensure transparency and fairness

What Beneficiaries Should Do Now

If you are enrolled in the scheme, it is crucial to:

• Complete your e-KYC immediately
• Verify your eligibility and documents
• Check your account status through official channels

Failure to comply within the extended deadline may result in permanent deactivation of benefits.

Conclusion

The closure of 68 lakh accounts under the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme highlights the government’s push toward accurate targeting and transparency. While the move may impact many beneficiaries in the short term, it is aimed at ensuring that financial aid reaches only the truly eligible.

For beneficiaries, timely e-KYC completion is now essential to continue receiving monthly support under this important welfare initiative.