Mumbai: Ahead of Maharashtra’s local body elections, the state government’s flagship ‘Ladli Bahen’ scheme faces a major compliance challenge, with over 1 crore beneficiaries yet to complete their e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification. The deadline for completion is 18 November.
According to a senior official from the Women and Child Development Department, the scheme currently has around 2.35 crore registered beneficiaries, of which only 1.3 crore women have updated their e-KYC details. Officials have indicated that the deadline may be extended if needed.
Background and Challenges
Initially, around 2.5 crore women were registered under the scheme. However, many names were removed following allegations of fraudulent claims, prompting the launch of the e-KYC process. While the verification process faced teething issues initially, it has now been streamlined and can be completed online within minutes.
Women whose husbands or fathers have passed away are reportedly facing the most difficulties in completing the e-KYC process.
Political Context
The Ladli Bahen scheme, introduced just before the state assembly elections, provides a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 to eligible women. The scheme gained prominence after the NDA secured a strong mandate in the elections. Similar welfare initiatives have been rolled out in other states; for instance, in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced ₹10,000 under the ‘Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme,’ with funds transferred to 75 lakh women in a single day following the state elections.
Election Considerations
With local body elections approaching, including polls in 29 municipal corporations, the Maharashtra government is reportedly taking a lenient approach toward beneficiaries who have yet to complete e-KYC. Some local party leaders have even set up registration counters to help women complete the process.
Recently, BJP-organized rallies under the banner ‘Bahan Ladl, Bhaubeej Devabhau Ki’ sought to engage women directly regarding the scheme. Meanwhile, the state government has also released funds for another ambitious program, the ‘Shiv Bhojan Thali.’ The Mahayuti alliance had promised to increase the monthly stipend under Ladli Bahen to ₹2,100, but the promise has yet to be fulfilled. The scheme’s future funding will likely be decided in the upcoming budget session after the local body elections.
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