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Amid growing speculation about the future of Maharashtra’s flagship women-centric welfare program, the state government has issued a clear statement: the Ladki Bahin Scheme will continue and is not being discontinued. The clarification comes after widespread rumors suggested that financial pressure might force the government to shut down the initiative, leaving millions of beneficiaries worried.

The scheme, officially known as Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, has been one of the most talked-about social programs in recent times, providing direct financial assistance to women across the state.

Government Rejects Claims of Closure

Senior leader and cabinet minister Hasan Mushrif has strongly dismissed claims that the scheme is being scrapped. He emphasized that the program remains a priority for the government and will continue in the coming years.

Addressing concerns, he also refuted reports linking delays in government employee salaries to the financial burden of the scheme. While acknowledging that budget adjustments are required to balance development spending, he clarified that this would not impact the financial support being provided to women under the scheme.

Budget Allocation and Financial Scale

The Ladki Bahin Scheme operates on a massive financial scale. The Maharashtra government currently disburses approximately ₹3,700 crore every month to beneficiaries. Under this initiative, eligible women receive ₹1,500 as monthly financial assistance, aimed at improving their economic stability and independence.

For the financial year 2025–26, the scheme had an allocated budget of ₹36,000 crore. However, this has been revised to ₹26,000 crore for the upcoming 2026–27 fiscal year. Despite the reduction, officials maintain that the scheme remains sustainable and will continue to benefit millions.

68 Lakh Accounts Deactivated Over e-KYC Issues

One of the biggest developments linked to the scheme is the closure of nearly 68 lakh beneficiary accounts. The government took this step after many users failed to complete the mandatory e-KYC verification within the stipulated deadline.

As a result, the number of active beneficiaries has now dropped to around 1.75 crore. Officials have made it clear that only those with updated documentation and completed KYC processes will continue to receive payments.

e-KYC Mandatory to Continue Receiving Benefits

Women who have not yet completed their e-KYC are being urged to do so immediately to avoid disruption in payments. The process is simple and can be completed online through the official portal using Aadhaar verification and OTP authentication.

The government has reiterated that compliance with e-KYC norms is essential to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of funds. Only verified beneficiaries will remain eligible for future installments.

When Will the Next Installment Be Released?

According to government sources, the pending installment for February and March 2026 is expected to be credited soon. Reports indicate that the combined payment could be released by mid-April 2026, provided beneficiaries have completed their e-KYC formalities.

This update has brought relief to many women who were awaiting clarity on payment timelines.

Political and Social Significance

Beyond financial support, the Ladki Bahin Scheme has played a significant role in Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape. It is widely considered a key factor in strengthening voter support, particularly among women.

Analysts believe that such welfare initiatives have contributed to shaping electoral outcomes, including the recent assembly elections, where welfare-driven policies played a crucial role.

Final Takeaway

The Maharashtra government’s latest clarification has effectively put an end to rumors about the discontinuation of the Ladki Bahin Scheme. While procedural changes like mandatory e-KYC have led to account deactivations, the scheme itself remains active and continues to be a cornerstone of the state’s welfare strategy.

Beneficiaries are advised to complete their verification process promptly to ensure uninterrupted financial assistance in the coming months.