Overview of Ladki Bahin Yojana
The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a flagship welfare programme launched by the Government of Maharashtra to empower girl children from economically weaker sections of society. Officially announced in the 2023–24 state budget, the scheme provides a financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per year for each eligible girl child until she completes her higher secondary education (class 12). The disbursement is made in three equal installments each year, directly into the beneficiary’s bank account linked to the scheme. By reducing the cost barrier to schooling, the programme seeks to curb dropout rates, improve enrolment ratios, and promote the long‑term value of educating girls across urban and rural Maharashtra.
E-KYC Deadline – What You Need to Know
Recent updates from the Maharashtra Social Welfare Department indicate that the deadline for completing the mandatory E‑KYC verification for the Ladki Bahin Yojana is fast approaching. Beneficiaries must submit updated biometric and demographic details on the official online portal before the cut‑off date to ensure uninterrupted receipt of the quarterly stipend. Failure to complete E‑KYC within the stipulated timeframe may lead to a temporary suspension of benefits, with reinstatement only after successful verification.
According to the latest official notification, the final date for completing E‑KYC is 31 March 2026. However, officials advise applicants to regularise their status before the end of each financial year to avoid last‑minute rushes and potential service disruptions. 
For detailed instructions and to access the portal, visit the official Ladki Bahin portal: https://ladkibahin.maharashtra.gov.in.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a family must fulfil a set of clearly defined criteria designed to target the most vulnerable households while encouraging consistent school attendance:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- The girl child must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution from class 1 to class 12.
- The annual family income must not exceed Rs 8 lakh, as verified by an income certificate issued by the local revenue officer.
- The girl must be the first‑born or second‑born child in the family, ensuring that the scheme supports families with limited resources.
- The beneficiary must possess a valid Aadhaar number and a linked bank account in her name or that of a parent/guardian.
- Attendance: The girl must maintain a minimum attendance of 75 percent throughout the academic year, demonstrated by submitting attendance certificates from the institution.
Additional documentation required includes a birth certificate, recent passport‑size photograph, and proof of admission to the educational institution.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
Eligible families can complete the registration for Ladki Bahin Yojana through a streamlined, five‑step process available on the government’s dedicated portal:
- Visit the portal and click on the “New Applicant Registration” link available on the home page.
- Enter personal details such as the girl’s name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, contact information, and parent/guardian details.
- Upload supporting documents, including the birth certificate, school admission proof, income certificate, and attendance record, preferably in PDF format not exceeding 2 MB each.
- Visit the nearest designated kiosk for biometric verification; the process typically involves fingerprint and iris scans to confirm identity.
- Submit the application and note the generated reference number. An SMS confirmation will be sent upon successful submission, indicating that the application has entered the verification queue.
Verification generally takes up to 15 working days. Once cleared, the beneficiary will receive an electronic notification confirming approval and the first installment will be credited directly to the linked bank account.
FAQs Answered
Q: When is the E‑KYC verification required? A: The E‑KYC must be completed annually to reconfirm eligibility. The verification window opens at the beginning of each financial year and closes on the announced deadline. Regular updates ensure continuous stipend disbursement.
Q: Can I apply for multiple girls in the same family? A: Yes. Each eligible girl can receive the benefit provided the family meets the income and enrolment criteria for each child separately.
Q: What happens if my bank account is closed? A: Beneficiaries must update their bank details on the portal within 30 days of account closure to avoid disruption of payments. The new account must also be linked to the applicant’s Aadhaar.
Q: Is there any fee for applying under Ladki Bahin Yojana? A: No. The application process is completely free of cost. Any third‑party charging fees is unauthorized and should be reported to the state helpline.
Impact of the Scheme
Since its inception, the Ladki Bahin Yojana has produced measurable improvements in girl enrolment and dropout statistics across Maharashtra. According to the latest state education report released in 2024, dropout rates among girls in secondary education have declined by 12 percent compared to the previous academic year. The financial assistance has enabled families to meet tuition, transport, and material costs, thereby removing a significant barrier to consistent schooling.
Moreover, the scheme has catalyzed community‑level awareness drives that underscore the importance of gender equity and the long‑term socio‑economic benefits of educating girls. Partnerships with local NGOs and private foundations have resulted in mentorship programmes, skill‑development workshops, and career counselling sessions tailored for beneficiary families. These collaborative efforts have amplified the scheme’s reach and fostered a culture of aspiration among young girls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often encounter avoidable pitfalls that can delay or jeopardize benefit disbursement:
- Submitting incomplete documentation—such as missing income proof, outdated attendance certificates, or scanned images of poor quality—leads to processing delays.
- Procrastinating on E‑KYC verification until the last moment may result in missed deadlines and temporary suspension of payments.
- Relying on unofficial agents who promise expedited processing for a fee can expose applicants to fraud; all official communications occur through the government portal.
- Entering incorrect Aadhaar details creates mismatches in the beneficiary database, requiring additional verification rounds.
To safeguard against these issues, beneficiaries should double‑check all entries, retain copies of submitted documents, monitor their application status regularly, and reach out to the official helpline for any clarification.
Future Outlook
The Maharashtra government has announced plans to expand the Ladki Bahin Yojana to include a higher‑education stipend for meritorious girls pursuing undergraduate studies. Pilot projects initiated in select districts such as Pune, Nagpur, and Nanded have already begun disbursing additional financial support to eligible undergraduate scholars. If successful, the scheme’s umbrella coverage could be rolled out statewide by 2027, offering a seamless continuum of assistance from primary education through higher studies.
Stakeholders—including parents, teachers, and civil society organisations—are encouraged to provide feedback through the official portal’s suggestion box. Continuous monitoring, periodic audits, and community participation will be pivotal in refining the programme’s design and ensuring that it remains responsive to evolving socioeconomic realities.
Stay updated with the latest Yojana schemes and government initiatives for better awareness and eligibility. For personalized guidance on accessing these benefits, reach out to us.
