With any welfare scheme, the initial step is to identify those eligible and then pass on benefits. In the case of Ladki Bahin Yojana, this order seems to have been reversed. The impact of this is plain to see

Ladki Bahin Yojana applicants throng an Anganwadi in Dadar West to submit forms on October 15, 2024. File pic/Ashish Raje

Pay first, verify later” seems to have come at a cost. Nearly one out of every three beneficiaries of the Maharashtra government’s Ladki Bahin scheme may turn out to be ineligible. This raises important questions about how the scheme was carried out.

Out of 2.46 crore beneficiaries, over 65 lakh may not meet the eligibility criteria. This is not a small gap. It suggests that something went wrong in the process.

The monthly Rs 1500 assistance, intended to support women from weaker sections, was designed as a strong welfare measure, with direct cash transfers, broad reach, and a quick rollout. While the intent looked positive, some basic checks appear to have been missed.

In any welfare scheme, the simple rule is to verify first and then give benefits. Here, this order seems to have been reversed, and the impact is now visible.

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