Ladli Behna Yojana Maharashtra: 65-68 Lakh Women Removed, Next Installment on Hold

Key Highlights

• 65-68 lakh women removed after verification.

• e-KYC and document checks made mandatory.

• March-April installments currently on hold.

• Eligible beneficiaries reduced to 1.81 crore.

• Pending installments may come in May-June.

A major update has come regarding the Maharashtra government’s popular Ladli Behna Yojana Maharashtra. After a large-scale beneficiary verification drive, around 65 to 68 lakh women have reportedly been declared ineligible for the scheme. Due to this, the next installment payment has also been temporarily put on hold.

The government took this action after completing e-KYC verification, document checks, and eligibility reviews. Women whose names have been removed from the beneficiary list will not receive the upcoming installment until their records are verified again.

Huge Drop in Beneficiary Numbers

When the scheme was launched, nearly 2.46 crore women had registered under the program. However, after the recent verification campaign, the number of eligible beneficiaries has reduced to around 1.81 crore women.

This means that approximately 65 to 68 lakh women have been removed from the list. According to the government, only women who fulfill all eligibility conditions will continue receiving financial assistance under the scheme.

The revised beneficiary list was prepared after checking documents, eligibility details, and e-KYC records.

Scheme Was Introduced Before Maharashtra Elections

The Ladli Behna Yojana Maharashtra, also known as the “Ladki Behen” scheme, was launched before the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Under this scheme, eligible women from economically weaker families receive monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500.

Within a short period, the scheme became highly popular across the state, and millions of women enrolled to receive the benefit.

Why Were Lakhs of Names Removed?

The Maharashtra government had been receiving complaints that many ineligible beneficiaries were taking advantage of the scheme. To address this issue, a state-wide verification campaign was started in 2025.

Under this process, beneficiaries were asked to complete:

• e-KYC verification

• Document updates

• Eligibility confirmation

The deadline for verification was extended several times from November 2025 onwards. However, the government later announced that April 30 would be the final deadline.

Women who:

• failed to complete e-KYC,

• did not submit required documents,

• or did not meet eligibility rules,

were removed from the beneficiary list.

Scheme Budget Also Reduced

Initially, the annual budget for the scheme was estimated at around ₹45,000 crore. Later, this allocation was reduced to around ₹36,000 crore in the 2025 budget.

Reports also suggest that there were discussions about reducing the budget further in 2026. Experts believe the reduction in beneficiary numbers and the verification campaign are part of the government’s effort to control expenditure.

Recovery of Money May Also Begin

According to government sources, authorities may also begin recovering payments from women who received installments despite being found ineligible later.

Officials have stated that recovery action may be taken wherever possible, although the final decision will be made at the administrative level.

March-April Installments Still Pending

Due to the ongoing verification process, the March and April installments of the scheme have not yet been released. Millions of women beneficiaries are currently waiting for the next payment.

Sources suggest that the government may release two or even three installments together in late May or June. However, no official confirmation has been announced yet.

Check Your Name in the Beneficiary List Immediately

Women registered under the Ladli Behna Yojana, Maharashtra, are advised to check their names in the updated beneficiary list as soon as possible.

Beneficiaries should also:

• Verify e-KYC completion status

• Update pending documents

• Confirm eligibility details

Only women whose names remain on the eligible beneficiary list will receive the next installment.

Also Read: KAU and VST Tillers Join Hands to Boost Agricultural Mechanization Research in Kerala

CMV360 Says

The Maharashtra government’s verification drive under the Ladli Behna Yojana has led to the removal of nearly 65 to 68 lakh women from the beneficiary list. Due to pending e-KYC and document verification, installments are currently on hold. Beneficiaries are advised to check their status immediately and complete all required formalities. The government may release pending installments together in the coming weeks, although an official confirmation is still awaited.