Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is set to recover Rs 3.58 crore from 2,652 women government employees who fraudulently availed benefits under the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, despite being ineligible.
The scheme, launched with much fanfare in 2024 ahead of the state assembly elections by the Mahayuti government, promises a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,500 to economically eligible women. However, as per the scheme’s guidelines, government employees are not entitled to receive these benefits.
Despite this restriction, a large number of Class III and Class IV women employees bypassed the rules and withdrew funds under the scheme between August 2024 and April 2025, collecting a total of Rs 13,500 per person during this period.
Over 2,500 Women Govt Employees Claimed Benefits Illegally
The General Administration Department (GAD) had shared data of 1.6 lakh government employees with the Information Technology Department, which was later scrutinised using UID-based verification. Following the audit, it was found that 2,652 women government employees had illegally claimed the benefits, reported ABP Majha.
This revelation comes amidst a broader verification drive. So far, around 1.2 lakh employees have been screened, and 6 lakh more are yet to be verified. The government has already halted payments under the scheme since February 2025 for 7.7 lakh women who were found to be availing benefits from both the Ladki Bahin and Namo Shetkari schemes, another financial aid program.
Reports citing sources within the administration confirm that the state will initiate recovery proceedings against the defaulters. Orders are expected to be dispatched soon to the respective government departments, directing them to recover the illegally withdrawn amounts from the identified employees.
Officials reportedly stated that the matter is serious, as clear policy guidelines prohibit government staff from applying to this scheme. Yet, these employees submitted applications and drew public funds, thereby violating service conduct rules and scheme regulations.
The Anti-Corruption and Vigilance wings of various departments are also likely to assist in the probe and recovery process. The government has appealed to all remaining ineligible beneficiaries to voluntarily return the funds before action is taken. Meanwhile, the scheme’s credibility has come under scrutiny, leading calls for stricter monitoring, eligibility verification and digital safeguards to prevent further misuse.
