The Maharashtra government is gearing up to disburse the much-anticipated 8th installment of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, scheduled for February 24, 2025. This initiative has gained considerable attention as it aims to provide financial assistance to women aged between 21 and 65 years, particularly as the forthcoming assembly elections approach, adding urgency and importance to the program.
Ajit Pawar, the state's Finance Minister, announced the release of the installment, highlighting the importance of maintaining integrity within the program. According to him, 'The 8th installment of ₹1,500 will be transferred to the eligible women’s accounts starting from February 24, 2025.' This statement has provided some relief to many women beneficiaries who have been eagerly awaiting the inflow of funds during this financially tight month.
While excitement builds around this financial aid, there is increasing scrutiny on the eligibility of applicants. Previously, approximately 2.46 crore women benefited from the scheme. Still, recent checks have identified around 5 lakh women as unqualified to receive assistance, leading to their removal from the program. This raises questions about how the government is handling the eligibility checks of women who might have wrongfully benefited from the initiative. An overwhelming number of women are reportedly anxious, worrying whether they will receive their expected installment this month amid fears their applications might not pass the verification test.
To maintain the program's financial health and integrity, the Maharashtra government is enforcing new rules, including the mandatory e-KYC process for all participating women. Starting this June, beneficiaries will have to complete their e-KYC to continue availing of the benefits of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The timing of this requirement is strategic, as it coincides with the annual review of the program just after the February installment is released, ensuring compliance is up to date.
Historically, the scheme was launched at the end of 2023 under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his Mahayuti government as part of their election strategy. With the assembly elections looming, the program has provided significant political capital, boosting the ruling party's image among women voters. The political maneuvering around such schemes raises discussions on vote-buying practices under the guise of welfare schemes.
During the last two months, as the month of February approached, uncertainty about fund distribution began to unsettle the beneficiaries. The last day of February is fast approaching, leaving little time for the government to take action on delays. If funds fail to arrive as promised, many women will undoubtedly express their dissatisfaction. Arguments abound on both sides: supporters tout the scheme as necessary for empowering women economically, whereas critics argue it drains state resources and is poorly managed.
Add to this the anticipation surrounding the state budget presentation scheduled for early March. Many are left pondering whether this financial aid program will receive any mention or special allocation as the government looks to balance its social support initiatives with economic stability.
With the number of beneficiaries decreasing from 2.46 crore to 2.41 crore over just one month, many ex-beneficiaries have expressed their heartbreak. Many of those removed from the program cite various reasons for their unqualification, from having too high family incomes to owning vehicles, both of which contradict eligibility requirements.
The process of re-evaluations has become high-stakes, creating distress among applicants as they worry about their status during the scrutiny of applications initiated by the government. Some women, proactively attempting to ease their compliance with the new requirements, have already started submitting formal requests to withdraw their application from the program, hoping to lessen the burden on the state's finances.
By prioritizing eligibility verification and compliance, the government hopes to allocate the limited funds judiciously, ensuring they reach the women who genuinely need them. Despite the bureaucratic challenges, the aim remains to uplift Maharashtra’s vulnerable women through sustainable financial support and empowerment.
While many beneficiaries remain hopeful, the future of the Ladki Bahin Yojana now hinges on the outcomes of the upcoming fund transfers and the rigorous eligibility checks underway. With the clock ticking down to the end of February, beneficiaries are left to wonder if their days of anxiety will soon end or persist as the Maharashtra government navigates its responsibilities and the pressures of electoral politics.