Ladki Bahin Yojana Scam: A major controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after serious irregularities surfaced in the implementation of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship scheme run by the Chief Minister to empower women. According to recent official findings, although 12 instalments of the scheme had already been disbursed, a large-scale verification drive exposed several fraudulent entries and ineligible beneficiaries.
In response, the state government has taken stringent action by temporarily suspending 26.34 lakh fake or ineligible accounts, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability in welfare schemes. The shocking revelation has sparked statewide criticism and called for tighter monitoring mechanisms in future disbursements. Authorities have assured that only genuine and deserving women beneficiaries will receive further benefits under the scheme.
What Is Ladki Bahin Yojana?
Launched in June 2024, the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a key initiative by the Maharashtra government aimed at financially supporting women from low-income backgrounds. Through this scheme, eligible women aged between 21 and 65 years receive a monthly financial aid of ₹1,500, helping them meet basic needs and move towards self-dependence.
The scheme was specially designed for economically weaker women living in Maharashtra, with the goal of improving their financial stability, dignity, and independence. It has been seen as a major step to uplift women who often struggle with limited income sources.
Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana Scam
Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Minister, Aditi Tatkare, has confirmed a major fraud in the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. During a detailed eligibility verification process, several shocking discrepancies were uncovered. It was found that many people who didn’t meet the criteria were still receiving the ₹1,500 monthly benefit.
In a surprising twist, the list of beneficiaries included men, even though the scheme is only meant for women. In some cases, multiple members from the same family—sometimes more than two—were found claiming the benefit, which is against the rules.
To address the issue, the department worked closely with various government agencies to re-verify every single application. According to a report from the Information and Technology Department, nearly 26.34 lakh ineligible individuals were taking advantage of the scheme. As a result, their accounts have been temporarily suspended until further investigation is completed.
Ladki Bahin Yojana Accounts Under Investigation
As reported by The Economic Times, the Maharashtra government has blocked the accounts of 26.34 lakh individuals suspected of fraud under the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. On the other hand, around 2.25 crore genuine beneficiaries successfully received their June 2025 instalment without any issues.
Now, district-level officials will begin a case-by-case review of the suspended accounts. If any account holder is found to be truly eligible, their monthly benefit will be restored. However, if someone is caught submitting false or misleading information, the state government may take strict legal or administrative action against them.
This move is aimed at ensuring that only deserving women continue to benefit from the scheme, while eliminating misuse and restoring public trust.
Can Every Woman Apply After Ladki Bahin Yojana Scam?
The Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is designed exclusively for women residing in Maharashtra, falling within the age group of 21 to 65 years. Whether a woman is married, single, or divorced, she is eligible to apply—as long as the total annual income of her family does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
To avail the scheme’s benefits, applicants must submit their forms online through the official portal. It is also essential that the applicant is not already receiving financial support under any other government welfare scheme. Moreover, a valid and active bank account is mandatory, as the monthly assistance of ₹1,500 is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s account.
The recent uncovering of large-scale misuse has raised serious concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the scheme’s implementation. In response, the government is now working to strengthen verification processes and enhance monitoring systems to ensure that only deserving and eligible women receive the benefits going forward.
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Conclusion
The Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched with the noble aim of empowering women in Maharashtra by providing them with monthly financial support. While the scheme has helped millions of genuine beneficiaries, recent fraud cases have highlighted the urgent need for stronger checks and better implementation. The government’s swift action to suspend ineligible accounts and tighten the verification process shows its commitment to fairness and transparency. Going forward, it’s crucial that the benefits of this scheme reach only the rightful and deserving women, so that its original purpose of uplifting economically weaker women is truly fulfilled.