Maharashtra’s flagship ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ could face a major clean-up, as an ongoing verification drive is likely to identify a large number of ineligible beneficiaries. According to a preliminary estimate, over 65 lakh out of the initial 2.46 crore beneficiaries may have failed the state’s verification drive. The deadline for completing e-KYC, which expired on March 31, has now been extended till April 30.

The scheme

In 2024, before the Assembly elections, then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The scheme offers financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month to women from the weaker sections of society.