Mumbai: Thousands of women under Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana are still waiting for their monthly payment. The scheme gives Rs 1,500 every month to eligible women. Many did not get the money for December, and there is no official update about the January payment either.
This has caused worry among beneficiaries who depend on this money for daily needs.
eKYC made compulsory
The government made eKYC mandatory for all women to continue getting the benefit. To help more people, the deadline was extended till December 31, 2025.
Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said that eKYC is important to ensure only genuine beneficiaries get the money. But even after the deadline passed, the next payment has not been released.
Is the delay because of elections?
One major reason being discussed is the BMC elections. Voting in 29 municipal areas, including Mumbai, is set for January 15.
Some reports say that since election rules are in force, the government is avoiding making big payments. The scheme had earlier helped the government during elections, but later misuse was found, which is why eKYC was introduced.
Finance department approval still pending
Reports also say that the December payment is still waiting for approval from the state finance department. Because of election rules, this approval may not come before January 15.
There is also a possibility that the government may pay two months together. This means women could get Rs 3,000 for December and January at once. BJP leader Tejasvi Ghosalkar has claimed this money may be credited on January 14.
Political blame game continues
Leaders are not fully in agreement. A leader from the ruling alliance said the scheme is already running, so it should not be affected by election rules. On the other hand, the opposition claims the government is facing fund shortages, which is why payments are delayed.
