Ladki Bahini Yojana 2024: Application Procedure & Benefits

The Ladki Bahini Yojana, introduced by the Maharashtra state government, aims to provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged women. This welfare initiative is designed to empower women by offering a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 to eligible beneficiaries, easing their financial burden. The scheme was first announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and its implementation is now in full swing with the online application link active on the official portal.

In this detailed article, we’ll cover the latest updates, eligibility criteria, how to apply online, and the documents required to benefit from this scheme.

Ladki Bahini Yojana
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What is the Ladki Bahini Yojana?

The Ladki Bahini Yojana is part of Maharashtra’s efforts to provide financial support to women from low-income families. It is targeted at women who are either married, divorced, widowed, or destitute. The scheme initially had an age limit of 21 to 60 years, but this has been extended to 21 to 65 years, offering wider coverage. Furthermore, it removes restrictions on land ownership, meaning more women can now benefit from this initiative.

The state government has allocated a substantial amount of funding to ensure that around 3.5 crore women across Maharashtra are eligible to receive this financial aid.

Key Updates for 2024

Recently, the application deadline has been extended to September 30, 2024, allowing more time for women to apply. This extension comes in response to the overwhelming number of applications and technical difficulties faced by applicants.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ladki Bahini Yojana, women must meet the following criteria:

  1. Age: Women aged 21 to 65 years.
  2. Income: The combined annual income of the family should not exceed ₹2.5 lakhs.
  3. Marital Status: The applicant can be married, divorced, widowed, or abandoned.
  4. Ration Card Holders: Women holding yellow and orange ration cards are eligible to apply.
  5. Bank Account: A bank account is mandatory for transferring the benefits.
  6. Maharashtra Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra​.

Scheme Benefits

  • Monthly Stipend: Eligible women will receive ₹1,500 per month, which is deposited directly into their bank accounts.
  • No Land Ownership Restrictions: Women no longer need to own land to apply.
  • Age Relaxation: With the age limit now extended to 65 years, more women can benefit from the scheme​.
Ladki Bahini Yojana
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How to Apply for the Ladki Bahini Yojana

The application process has been made more accessible through an online platform, but women can also apply through physical centers like Anganwadi Centers, Gram Panchayats, Municipal Ward Offices, and Setu Suvidha Kendras. Here are the steps to apply:

  1. Visit the Official Portal: The official portal for applying is ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in. From there, proceed to the application section to begin the registration process.
  2. Download the Nari Shakti Doot App: Women can also apply via the Nari Shakti Doot App, which has been launched to simplify the application process.
  3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the necessary personal details, including Aadhaar number, bank account details, and proof of income.
  4. Submit the Application: After submitting the form, the verification process will be conducted by local authorities, such as Anganwadi Supervisors and Project Officers​.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must provide the following documents to complete the registration process:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • State Domicile Certificate or Birth Certificate
  • Income Proof or Ration Card (yellow or orange)
  • First Page of Bank Passbook (for bank account details)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Undertaking that confirms compliance with the scheme’s terms.

Where to Submit the Application

In addition to the online process, eligible women can visit the following locations to apply:

  • Anganwadi Centers
  • Child Development Project Officer Offices
  • Gram Panchayat Offices
  • Municipal Ward Offices
  • Maha-e-Seva Kendras

Designated staff at these centers will assist in submitting the applications online, ensuring that all women, even those without internet access, can benefit from the scheme​.

Important Dates

  • Start Date for Applications: July 1, 2024
  • Last Date for Applications: September 30, 2024
  • Publication of Beneficiary List: August 2024
  • Disbursement of Benefits: Benefits will start rolling out in August 2024 for approved applicants.

The Ladki Bahini Yojana is a significant step forward in providing financial stability to women in Maharashtra. With the extended deadline and online application portal, the government aims to ensure that every eligible woman can access the benefits of this scheme. Applicants are encouraged to complete the process as soon as possible to ensure timely receipt of benefits.

For more information and to apply, visit the official government portal.

By staying informed and taking action early, eligible women can make sure they don’t miss out on this vital financial assistance.

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