More than 2.40 crore women in Maharashtra are still waiting for the 8th installment of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. Even after the month of February 2025 has ended, women beneficiaries in Maharashtra have not received the Rs 1,500 payment for the month. Uncertainty remains over when the funds will be transferred, with some reports suggesting that the wait may be longer.
According to Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, the decision on the release of the eighth installment will be taken in the upcoming state cabinet meeting. The delay is reportedly due to the ongoing verification process of women beneficiary applications, which prevents even eligible women from receiving the payment.
Previously, in December 2024 and January 2025, Rs 1,500 was deposited into beneficiaries' accounts on the 24th of each month. It was expected that the February 2025 installment would follow the same pattern, but due to technical reasons, the payment has been delayed. The Finance Department has allocated Rs 3,490 crore for the scheme. With the Budget Session set to begin on March 3, there is speculation that the government may transfer Rs 3,000 in total for both February and March together. Additionally, the BJP-led Mahayuti government is expected to make a significant announcement regarding the scheme in the budget presentation on March 10. However, no official confirmation has been provided.
Launched in July last year, the scheme played a crucial role in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, contributing to the BJP-led coalition's decisive victory. After returning to power, the Mahayuti government initiated a review of beneficiaries, resulting in the exclusion of 5 lakh women beneficiaries from the scheme so far. Officials estimate that the number of ineligible beneficiaries could rise to 15 lakh. However, the government has clarified that women who have already received payments will not be required to return the funds. Moving forward, only eligible women will continue to get benefit from the scheme.