Maharashtra Government Cancels Physical Verification for Ladki Bahin Scheme
The Maharashtra government has made a significant policy reversal regarding its flagship Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, cancelling the planned physical verification of ineligible beneficiaries through Anganwadi workers. Instead, the Women and Child Welfare department has extended the deadline for completing and correcting e-KYC details on the online portal until March 31, 2026.
Decision Follows Multiple Complaints
This crucial decision was taken after numerous complaints emerged from beneficiaries experiencing difficulties during the e-KYC process. Women and Child Welfare minister Aditi Tatkare explained the government's position: "Complaints have been received regarding difficulties in accessing scheme benefits due to some beneficiaries selecting incorrect options during the e-KYC process. Specifically, all eligible sisters who have completed e-KYC but are yet to receive the benefits are being given another opportunity to correct their e-KYC information."
The minister confirmed that the facility to correct e-KYC details through the online portal will now remain accessible until the end of March next year, providing ample time for beneficiaries to rectify any errors in their applications.
Anganwadi Workers Opposed Additional Workload
According to sources within the department, Anganwadi workers had strongly opposed the original plan for physical verification, citing excessive workload and lack of incentives for the additional task. An official from the department revealed: "There were some complaints that they are burdened with additional work. So, we decided to carry out e-KYC till March 31. Those who cannot complete the process till that date will undergo physical verification."
Problematic Question Caused Widespread Confusion
The entire issue originated from a poorly framed question in the e-KYC process that led to more than 24 lakh beneficiaries being incorrectly classified as state government employees. This classification error resulted in the suspension of their monthly assistance of Rs 1,500.
The problematic question in Marathi read: "Tumchya Gharatle koni sarkari nokrit nahi na?" which translates to "Nobody in your family works for the government, right?" Beneficiaries who should have responded with a "no" are said to have marked "yes" due to confusion caused by the double-negative framing of the question.
Following this significant error, the Women and Child Welfare department had initially ordered nearly one lakh Anganwadi workers across the state to physically verify the affected beneficiaries, a directive that has now been rescinded.
Scheme Background and Financial Implications
The Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, launched ahead of the 2024 state Assembly elections, provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women across Maharashtra. The state government spends nearly Rs 3,700 crore every month on the scheme, which covers approximately 2.25 crore beneficiaries, with each eligible woman receiving Rs 1,500 per month.
The e-KYC exercise was originally initiated following complaints that male members were receiving benefits under the women-centric scheme or that government employees had been wrongly registered as beneficiaries. This verification process was intended to ensure that only eligible women received the financial assistance.
The government's decision to extend the e-KYC deadline represents a pragmatic approach to addressing both beneficiary difficulties and worker concerns while maintaining the integrity of this substantial welfare program.
