An RTI inquiry revealed that the Maharashtra government disbursed ₹9,605 crore to 9.2 million ineligible beneficiaries under its 'Ladki Bahin' scheme by June 2026. This massive misdirection of funds raises serious questions about the scheme's implementation and oversight.
₹9,605 crore
Misallocated Funds
⏳ Time Machine
How today’s news fits into the bigger picture
Early 2000s
PDS Leakage Crisis
India's Public Distribution System (PDS) faced severe criticism for extensive leakage, with estimates suggesting a significant portion of subsidized food grains never reached the intended poor due to corruption and ghost beneficiaries.
2010 onwards
Aadhaar for DBT
The Indian government began promoting the use of Aadhaar, the unique identity number, to link with welfare schemes and bank accounts for s (DBT), aiming to reduce corruption and ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries. This helped in reducing leakages in many central schemes.
Late 2024
Launch of 'Ladki Bahin'
The Maharashtra government launched the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme to provide financial assistance to women, intending to uplift socio-economic conditions. Initial enrollments began with certain eligibility criteria.
March 2026
Initial concerns raised
Reports and preliminary audits began to highlight inconsistencies in beneficiary lists for various state welfare schemes, including 'Ladki Bahin', prompting concerns about the accuracy of disbursements.
Today
An RTI revealed Maharashtra disbursed ₹9,605 crore to 9.2 million ineligible 'Ladki Bahin' beneficiaries.
What happens next?
The Maharashtra government will likely face pressure to investigate, reform verification processes, and potentially audit other welfare schemes.
The Maharashtra government's 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, designed to provide financial assistance, has reportedly disbursed a staggering **₹9,605 crore** to **9.2 million ineligible beneficiaries** as of June 2026. This shocking revelation came to light through a Right to Information (RTI) application. The widespread misdirection of funds highlights significant flaws in the scheme's identification and verification processes, leading to a substantial drain on public finances and raising serious questions about governance and accountability within the state's welfare programs. This calls for an urgent review of beneficiary criteria and disbursement mechanisms.
💭 If you're wondering…
An RTI query is a formal request by a citizen to a government body seeking information under the Right to Information Act, which promotes transparency and accountability in governance.
Did this story help?
Official sources
Knowledge Chain — tap a concept