The Maharashtra government plans to remove 50 lakh women from the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana to reduce financial strain. Launched before the Assembly elections, the scheme promised Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women. However, rising costs have led the Mahayuti government to tighten eligibility.
Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar had praised the scheme for empowering women, calling it a key welfare initiative. Initially, 2.46 crore women benefited, costing Rs 3,700 crore monthly. In six months, expenses reached Rs 21,600 crore, affecting other government programs.
The Maharashtra government is reviewing ‘Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana’ beneficiaries with the Income Tax Department’s help. So far, 9 lakh women have been removed, aiming for 50 lakh disqualifications to save Rs 1,620 crore annually.
In January, 5 lakh were dropped, saving ₹75 crore, and February saw 4 lakh more removed, adding ₹60 crore in savings. The focus is on yellow and orange ration cardholders and ‘Namo Shetkari Samman Nidhi’ beneficiaries.
e-KYC Made Mandatory to Verify Beneficiaries
The Maharashtra government has introduced e-KYC verification to ensure only eligible women receive benefits under the ‘Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana’. While this may help stabilize state finances, it has raised concerns among affected beneficiaries and sparked political debates ahead of elections.
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