By Sapna 
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, officially known as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, is a social welfare initiative launched by the Maharashtra government in 2024. Announced during the state’s budget by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, this scheme aims to empower economically disadvantaged women, ensuring financial independence and improved quality of life.
Key Features and Benefits
- Monthly Financial Assistance: Eligible women receive ₹1,500 monthly as direct support to help them meet essential needs.
- Target Group: Beneficiaries include women aged 21-65, such as married, widowed, or divorced individuals, with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh.
- Budget Allocation: The state has set aside ₹46,000 crore to fund this initiative, ensuring wide-reaching benefits across Maharashtra.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Payments are credited directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for transparency and efficiency.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: Permanent residents of Maharashtra.
- Age Limit: 21-65 years.
- Income Cap: Annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
- Employment Restrictions: Beneficiaries cannot have family members who are government employees or taxpayers.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Bank Passbook (first page)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Mobile Number
Application Process
- Online Registration: Applicants can register via the official website or the Nari Shakti Doot mobile app.
- Profile Creation: Submit personal details, including name, district, and income status.
- Verification: Provide required documents for validation.
- Approval and Disbursement: Upon approval, funds are credited directly to the bank account.
Implementation and Progress
Since its launch, multiple installments of the Ladki Bahin Yojana have been successfully distributed, covering millions of beneficiaries. For instance, during the third installment, over 34 lakh women received financial aid directly into their accounts, totaling ₹1,545.47 crore. This systematic rollout underscores the government’s commitment to reducing gender-based economic disparity.
Impact on Women’s Empowerment
The scheme aligns with broader goals of fostering financial independence among women, improving access to health and education, and reducing poverty. It also addresses societal challenges faced by marginalized women, providing them with a stable financial safety net.
Conclusion
The Ladki Bahin Yojana stands as a significant step toward empowering women in Maharashtra. By addressing economic barriers and promoting independence, it plays a pivotal role in uplifting vulnerable sections of society.