The Maharashtra government has issued a critical update for the millions of women enrolled in the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. While the distribution for the October installment began on November 5, the state has made electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) mandatory for all beneficiaries. The government has set a firm deadline of November 18, 2024, for completing this process. Failure to do so will temporarily halt the monthly financial aid, making immediate action essential for countless families.
What Is The Ladki Bahin Yojana?
The Maharashtra government launched the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in July 2024 as a major welfare program for women. It focuses on offering financial aid to women from poor and middle-income backgrounds. Beneficiaries get Rs 1,500 every month, sent directly to their bank accounts. The scheme covers women aged 21 to 65 earning under Rs 2.5 lakh yearly. With Rs 36,000 crore allocated for 2025–26, the plan highlights the state’s strong commitment to women’s welfare.
Why Is eKYC Suddenly Mandatory?
This is a verification effort to make sure that only the intended and qualified recipients receive the financial aid. The government began distributing the October installment but has made eKYC a prerequisite for the payment to be processed. This step is designed to prevent fraud and duplication, thereby streamlining the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The underlying question is simple: can the payment be stopped? The answer is yes. The government has confirmed that payments will be temporarily withheld until the eKYC process is successfully completed by the beneficiary.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Mobile eKYC
The process can be done from home for recipients whose mobile numbers are already connected to their Aadhaar. This is how you do it:
- Start by visiting the official scheme portal at ‘ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in‘ or opening its mobile application.
- Proceed to log in or verify your identity using a One-Time Password (OTP).
- You will be prompted to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- To finish off, the eKYC, enter this OTP on the site.
If Your Mobile Number Isn’t Linked to Aadhaar?
A different procedure exists for women whose mobile numbers are not registered with their Aadhaar. In these cases, you must go to the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for verification. A CSC operator will guide you through the process, which involves fingerprint scanning to match your records with the Aadhaar database. After a successful match, your eKYC information will be updated in the system.
Documents You Need to Keep Ready
A smooth eKYC process, whether online or at a CSC, depends on having the correct documents. Beneficiaries should keep the following within reach:
- Their original Aadhaar Card.
- A bank account passbook for verification.
- The mobile phone linked to their Aadhaar number.
- The Scheme Registration Number, Family ID, or unique Beneficiary Code.
Troubleshooting Common eKYC Problems
Many beneficiaries face challenges while completing the eKYC process. Common issues include the following:
- A mismatch in Aadhaar data and program records regarding name or birthdate.
- Mobile number not linked or wrongly linked to the Aadhaar account.
- Technical errors like server issues or the portal not working for a while.
- Aadhaar not updated with the bank connected to DBT transfers.
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