Mumbai: One year after the launch of the Maharashtra government’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing financial support of Rs 1,500 per month to women, thousands of beneficiaries are now facing uncertainty. The registration portal for the scheme has been closed reportedly since September last year and more recently, nearly 80,000 applications have been cancelled, raising concern and discontent among affected women.
According to an ABP Majha report, the registration process for new beneficiaries remains shut and with no update on when it may resume, the number of women receiving assistance is expected to drop further in the coming months. In the absence of a re-verification or appeal mechanism, many eligible applicants claim they have been unfairly excluded.
Launched on June 18, 2024, the scheme saw a positive response across the state, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. However, reports of misuse and ineligible beneficiaries prompted the government to initiate a verification drive. As a result, several women either withdrew voluntarily or had their applications cancelled based on orders from higher authorities.
Protests Over Cancellations Of Registrations
The cancellations have left many without the recent installments, which has triggered complaints and protests. In several districts, women expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding their disqualification. Many alleged they were unaware of the exact reasons their applications were rejected, especially those who had been receiving the amount regularly until now.
Officials confirmed the cancellations were based on defined eligibility conditions such as total family income, ownership of vehicles or land, and overlap with other welfare schemes. Still, the manner in which the cancellations were implemented has drawn criticism for lacking transparency.
The scheme, which was presented as a key feature of the state budget, had built considerable goodwill among women, particularly in economically weaker households. Now, with the tightening of access and cancellation of registrations, the same program is facing scrutiny and growing opposition.
Women’s groups and local representatives have started raising the issue with the state administration, demanding clarity on the selection process and a reopening of the registration portal. For many, the delay or denial of the monthly support has disrupted household budgets, especially in rural and single-income families.
