Ladki Behan Yojana 2025: The Maharashtra State Government’s flagship welfare scheme Majhi Ladki Behan Yojana is undergoing major changes, raising concerns among beneficiaries. Until now, the scheme provided ₹1500 per month to eligible women. However, in a recent decision, the government has slashed the benefit amount to ₹500 per month for nearly 8 lakh women beneficiaries.
Benefit Reduction Contradicts Earlier Promise of Increase
This development comes as a shock, especially after the government’s earlier commitment to increase the benefit from ₹1500 to ₹2100 per month. Instead of an increase, a significant reduction has now been implemented. The new disbursal amount of ₹500 will be directly credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Why the Ladki Behan Yojana Benefit Has Been Reduced
The key reason behind this cut is the reduction in the scheme’s allocated budget. Initially set at ₹46,000 crore, the budget has now been trimmed down to ₹36,000 crore. In an effort to optimize the scheme’s financial sustainability, the government has tightened eligibility norms and reduced the number of beneficiaries.
Additionally, beneficiaries who are already availing benefits from other schemes such as the Namo Kisan Samman Nidhi and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi have been categorized for reduced assistance. Under these two schemes, women receive ₹6,000 each from both the central and state governments, totaling ₹12,000 annually. To prevent duplication of welfare benefits, these women will now receive only ₹500 per month under the Ladki Behan Yojana — amounting to an additional ₹6,000 annually, keeping their total yearly benefit at ₹18,000.
Verification and Eligibility Criteria Being Strictly Enforced
In recent months, the government has also initiated a strict verification process to reassess eligibility. As a result, thousands of women have been declared ineligible. The number of active beneficiaries has already been reduced twice, and during the February and March installments, only 2.40 lakh women received the funds — a steep decline from previous figures.
Political Uproar Over Ladki Behan Yojana 2025 Benefit Cuts
The opposition parties have criticized the government’s move, alleging betrayal of pre-election promises. During the election campaign, the Maharashtra Government had pledged to increase the financial assistance under the scheme. However, the recent budget cuts and eligibility restrictions have drawn sharp criticism. Opposition leaders have accused the government of weakening women’s financial independence and failing to live up to its commitments.
In response, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the Ladki Behan Yojana is not being discontinued. Instead, amendments are being made to ensure that the benefits reach only the most deserving women. The aim, he said, is to avoid duplication of benefits and optimize resource allocation so that genuinely needy women continue to receive support.
Ladki Behan Yojana 2025 10th Installment to Be Released Soon
Despite the controversy, the government is moving ahead with the release of the 10th installment of the scheme. Distribution will begin from April 24, 2025, and will take place in two phases. The second phase is expected to be completed by April 27, 2025.
Beneficiaries are advised to regularly check their bank accounts and visit the official website to confirm their payment status. The state government has assured that the disbursement process will remain transparent and accessible.
Key Highlights of Ladki Behan Yojana 2025
- 8 lakh women will now receive ₹500 instead of ₹1500 under the Ladki Behan Yojana.
- Budget reduced from ₹46,000 crore to ₹36,000 crore.
- Strict verification has led to the disqualification of many ineligible beneficiaries.
- Beneficiaries of PM-Kisan and Namo Kisan Samman Nidhi now eligible for reduced benefits.
- 10th installment disbursal to begin on April 24, 2025.
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How to Check Majhi Ladki Behan Yojana Payment Status
To check your payment status:
- Visit the official website of the Ladki Behan Yojana.
- Log in with your registered credentials.
- Go to the “Payment Status” section.
- Enter your application number or registered mobile number.
- View the status of your latest installment.
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