Irregularities in Maharashtra’s Ladki Behan Yojana: Govt Women Employees Illegally Benefited, Recovery Action Underway

The Maharashtra government’s Ladki Behan Yojana, aimed at supporting economically weaker women by providing ₹1,500 monthly financial assistance, has been misused by some female government employees who were ineligible to receive benefits.

Key Points:

  • Fraud Detected: Around 2,652 women holding government jobs have been found to have illegally received payments under this scheme between August 2024 and April 2025, amounting to about ₹3.58 crore.

  • Eligibility Criteria Violated: The scheme is meant for women aged 21-65 years from families with annual income below ₹2.5 lakh, excluding government employees who typically exceed this income threshold.

  • Recovery Action: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed that recoveries will be made from these government women employees. Several departments have already started the process, with instructions to others soon.

  • Verification Process: The state government verified beneficiary data using IT and Aadhaar records. So far, 1.2 lakh women employees were checked, revealing these irregularities. Verification of another 6 lakh employees is ongoing.

  • Scheme Integrity: Payments to 7.7 lakh women receiving benefits from both Ladki Behan and Namo Shetkari schemes simultaneously have been stopped. The government warned defaulters of legal action if amounts are not returned voluntarily.

The government has taken this misuse seriously, categorizing it as a major service conduct violation and pledging strict action to safeguard scheme benefits meant for deserving women.