Ladki Bahin Scheme: Fake Claims Exposed as Maharashtra To Check Income Tax Data

The Maharashtra government has begun using income tax data to verify applicants under the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana. This welfare scheme provides ₹1,500 per month to eligible women across the state. In recent weeks, several irregularities were uncovered, prompting a move to validate records through official income details.

Maharashtra To Check Data For Verification of Ladki Bahin Scheme Claims 

A notification issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on June 3 allows the Secretary of Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department to access tax data under Section 138 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This step aims to identify ineligible claimants and restrict funds to those who genuinely qualify.

Income Tax Records Shared to Curb Fraudulent Claims

The collaboration between the Income Tax Department and Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department marks a significant measure to tackle fraud. It allows real-time data sharing to confirm whether beneficiaries meet the required income and tax status.

This initiative is expected to support better transparency in the implementation of the Ladki Bahin scheme and reduce the risk of wrongful payouts.

Why Maharashtra Is Reviewing the Beneficiary List?

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar admitted that the initial phase of the scheme was rolled out quickly due to upcoming elections and lacked proper verification procedures.

Introduced in August 2024, the Ladki Bahin scheme was intended to provide financial support to women from low-income households. However, audits later revealed that thousands of ineligible individuals, including over two thousand government employees, had registered for the scheme.

The state government has clarified that it will not recover payments already made, but will improve the system to prevent future discrepancies.

Objectives of the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana

This financial support initiative is designed to empower women from families with limited income. By providing direct monthly assistance, the government aims to enhance the economic independence of women across Maharashtra.

Eligibility Criteria for the Ladki Bahin Scheme

To be eligible for the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
   
• Should be between 21 and 60 years of age.
   
• The annual family income must be below ₹2.5 lakh.
   
• Applicants must not be income taxpayers or have filed tax returns.

Income tax data will now serve as a tool to cross-verify these conditions. Any inconsistency between declared income and official records may lead to disqualification.

Read More: 5 Lakh Women Dropped from Ladki Bahin Scheme: What Are the Eligibility Criteria?

Responsibility of Existing Beneficiaries

Women who are currently receiving the ₹1,500 monthly benefit or have applied for the scheme should ensure their income details are accurate. If any discrepancy is found between submitted records and income tax data, the government may issue recovery notices or impose penalties.

Transparency in financial documentation is essential to continue receiving benefits under the Ladki Bahin scheme.

Conclusion

Maharashtra is now using income tax data to ensure only eligible women receive support under the Ladki Bahin scheme, aiming to eliminate fraudulent claims and improve transparency.

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