Ladki Bahin scheme: Over 60 lakh applicants miss E-KYC deadline; Maha assures no eligible beneficiary will be denied

According to the WCD department, despite a generous six-month window that began in August 2025 and an additional grace period in April 2026 to rectify discrepancies, over 60 lakh applicants failed to complete their mandatory E-KYC verification. Simultaneously, data integration with other government departments has helped filter out ineligible applications. Around 15 lakh applicants were found to have annual incomes exceeding the scheme's prescribed eligibility threshold. Approximately 5 lakh applicants were flagged for having four-wheeler vehicles registered in their names, a disqualifying criterion under the scheme rules, the WCD department said.

"Barring applicants who did not complete the E-KYC process despite repeated opportunities, and those who do not meet the scheme's eligibility criteria, the Department has taken every precaution to ensure that not a single eligible woman faces injustice," the WCD Department stated.

Addressing concerns from genuine beneficiaries who completed their E-KYC but still experienced a suspension of benefits, the department confirmed that a strict re-verification process is currently underway to resolve these grievances. Additionally, the government clarified its stance on overlapping social welfare schemes. For women who applied to both the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, the department is actively ensuring that they continue to seamlessly receive payouts from at least one of the two schemes.

WCD Minister Aditi Tatkare reassured the public of the state's unwavering commitment to the welfare scheme, emphasising that it will continue without interruption. "With the steadfast support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, and with the trust of every beloved sister of Maharashtra, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is moving forward with strength," she said.

--IANS

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