Widespread Fraud in Maharashtra’s ‘Ladki Bahin’ Scheme

An audit by the Women and Child Development Department (WCD) has uncovered significant misuse of the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme in Maharashtra, revealing that over 14,000 men fraudulently received financial benefits intended for economically disadvantaged women. The scheme, launched last year, provides Rs 1,500 monthly to women aged 21 to 65 from families earning less than Rs 2.5 lakh annually. However, through manipulation of the online registration system, these men registered as female beneficiaries, leading to a disbursement of Rs 21.44 crore.

Political Context and Scheme Launch

The scheme was strategically rolled out months before the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections as a key initiative of the Mahayuti coalition, led by the BJP and supported by factions of the Shiv Sena and NCP. It aimed to attract voters by offering financial support to women in need.

Broader Issues and Financial Implications

The fraudulent inclusion of men is just one aspect of the scheme’s challenges. The WCD report indicates a first-year loss of Rs 1,640 crore due to widespread ineligible enrollments. Notably, over 7.97 lakh women enrolled as third members from the same family, violating the scheme’s two-women-per-household rule and costing Rs 1,196 crore. Additionally, 2.87 lakh women over age 65 received benefits despite age restrictions, resulting in a loss of Rs 431.7 crore. Furthermore, 1.62 lakh women from families owning four-wheelers were improperly listed as beneficiaries.

Calls for Investigation and Corrective Measures

The findings have prompted criticism and calls for a thorough investigation into how these irregularities occurred. NCP MP Supriya Sule has demanded an inquiry into the registration process and potential conspiracies behind these fraudulent activities. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a comprehensive review in December 2024. By early this year, corrective actions were underway, including removing 5 lakh ineligible beneficiaries.

Ongoing Efforts to Rectify Misuse

WCD Minister Aditi Tatkare announced that starting June 2025, benefits for approximately 26.34 lakh ineligible applicants have been suspended based on information from the Information and Technology Department. Meanwhile, around 2.25 crore eligible beneficiaries received their honorarium for June 2025.