Mass Exclusion from Ladki Bahin Scheme in Yavatmal Sparks Outcry
In a significant development, around 30,000 women beneficiaries in Yavatmal district have been removed from the Maharashtra state government's Ladki Bahin scheme following the tightening of eligibility norms. This move has ignited resentment among the affected women, who claim they were not adequately informed about the reasons for their exclusion nor given an opportunity to correct any errors in their applications.
Background of the Ladki Bahin Scheme
The Ladki Bahin scheme was launched ahead of the 2024 assembly elections as a flagship initiative to provide financial assistance to women across Maharashtra. Under this program, eligible women receive ₹1,500 per month to support their economic well-being. In Yavatmal district alone, an impressive 6.19 lakh women had registered for the scheme, highlighting its widespread appeal and initial success.
At the time of registration, benefits were disbursed in cash without rigorous verification of eligibility criteria, which allowed for a broad inclusion of applicants. However, this approach has now led to complications as the government has implemented stricter norms to ensure that only qualified individuals receive the assistance.
Impact of Tightened Eligibility Norms
Following the enforcement of more stringent eligibility requirements, several women in Yavatmal have been declared ineligible after undergoing the e-KYC process. Their names now reflect an "ineligible" status, and as a result, payments have not been credited to their bank accounts. This sudden exclusion has left many women in a state of distress, as they relied on this financial support for their daily needs.
Many affected beneficiaries have reported that while checking their Aadhaar-linked details, the system erroneously identified them as government employees, leading to their disqualification from the scheme. This technical glitch has compounded their frustration, as they believe they were unfairly targeted due to system errors rather than genuine ineligibility.
Demands and Official Response
The women have demanded a chance to redo the e-KYC process to rectify any mistakes and prove their eligibility. However, officials have stated that the server for the scheme has been shut down on instructions from higher authorities, making fresh entries or corrections impossible at this time. This has further exacerbated the situation, leaving beneficiaries with limited recourse.
Vishal Jadhav, the deputy chief executive officer of the zilla parishad in Yavatmal, addressed the issue by explaining that incorrect information entered during the e-KYC process was the primary reason for the non-credit of payments. He emphasized that affected beneficiaries are encouraged to approach the Women and Child Development Department to register their grievances and seek resolution.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
This incident raises important questions about the implementation of government welfare schemes and the need for transparent communication with beneficiaries. The exclusion of 30,000 women from the Ladki Bahin scheme not only impacts their financial stability but also undermines trust in public initiatives aimed at empowering women.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for authorities to consider providing clearer guidelines and support mechanisms to help affected individuals navigate the eligibility process. Ensuring that such schemes are administered fairly and efficiently will be key to maintaining public confidence and achieving their intended social goals.
