Maharashtra Set to Slash Ladki Bahin Yojana Budget by 20% in Major Policy Retreat

The Maharashtra government may reduce the budget allocation for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in the 2026–27 financial year after a large-scale verification process led to the removal of nearly 60 lakh beneficiaries from the scheme. Officials said the cuts could bring down the scheme’s total allocation by up to 20 per cent, although a final decision will depend on the upcoming state budget and policy review by the government.

The Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship welfare initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections, has been a major social support programme in the state. Under the scheme, eligible women receive direct monetary benefits from the government to help with household expenses and improve financial security. Since its launch, the programme has attracted a large number of applicants across urban and rural areas of Maharashtra.

Recent Aadhaar-linked verification exercises, however, revealed discrepancies in the beneficiary database. According to officials familiar with the process, nearly 60 lakh beneficiaries were removed after verification checks flagged issues such as duplicate entries, ineligible applicants, or records that did not match Aadhaar-linked identity details. The exercise was carried out to ensure that only genuine and eligible recipients continue receiving benefits under the programme.

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With the number of beneficiaries significantly reduced, state authorities are reviewing the overall financial requirement for the scheme. Government officials indicated that the revised beneficiary list may lead to a reduction in the total funds allocated for the programme in the next fiscal year. Estimates suggest the allocation could fall by up to 20 per cent in the 2026–27 budget if the lower beneficiary count remains unchanged.

The development comes as the state government balances welfare spending with fiscal management priorities. Welfare schemes such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana represent a substantial portion of the state’s social sector expenditure, and officials have emphasized the need for accurate beneficiary identification to prevent misuse of public funds while ensuring support reaches eligible households.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrived at the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Wednesday amid ongoing discussions surrounding the state budget and welfare programmes. While the government has not yet announced a final decision on the scheme’s funding for the next financial year, officials indicated that the verification drive and updated beneficiary data will play a key role in determining future allocations.

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