Maharashtra’s flagship Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in 2024 to provide financial assistance to eligible women, has come under scrutiny after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted several financial and administrative irregularities in its implementation.
The scheme, introduced by the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, promised ₹1,500 per month to eligible women between the ages of 21 and 65. By the end of 2024, approximately 2.38 crore beneficiaries had reportedly received payments amounting to over ₹17,000 crore.
However, the CAG’s audit has raised concerns over beneficiary verification, expenditure management, fund transfers, and administrative oversight.
CAG Highlights Spending Beyond Budget Allocation
One of the key observations in the audit relates to expenditure exceeding the approved allocation.
₹3,500 Crore Spent Beyond Initial Allocation
According to the CAG, the department received a budget allocation of ₹29,693 crore for implementing the scheme but reportedly spent ₹33,237 crore, resulting in expenditure exceeding the allocation by around ₹3,500 crore.
The audit questioned the financial management surrounding this additional expenditure and called attention to the need for proper accounting and budgetary discipline.
Verification Process Under Scanner
The audit also identified significant shortcomings in beneficiary verification.
Over 90 Lakh Names Removed
According to the findings, more than 90 lakh names were later removed from the original beneficiary database due to incomplete or inadequate Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
The scale of the deletions has prompted questions about the robustness of the initial screening process.
Payments to Ineligible Beneficiaries
The CAG also pointed to cases where payments reportedly reached ineligible beneficiaries, including men, despite the scheme being intended exclusively for eligible women.
The findings suggest that deficiencies in verification mechanisms allowed incorrect beneficiaries to be included during implementation.
₹15,000 Crore Transfer Raises Audit Questions
Another issue highlighted in the report concerns the movement of public funds.
According to the audit, between January and March 2025, approximately ₹15,000 crore was transferred into a separate account even though there was reportedly no immediate operational requirement for the funds.
The CAG questioned the financial rationale behind the transfer and emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency in public fund management.
₹200 Crore Spent on Publicity
The audit further noted that around ₹200 crore was spent on publicity related to the welfare scheme.
The expenditure has become another point of debate, with critics arguing that large-scale advertising should not overshadow efficient implementation and accurate beneficiary identification.
Supporters of the government, however, may argue that awareness campaigns are necessary to ensure eligible beneficiaries know about welfare schemes.
Opposition Seizes on Audit Findings
The CAG report has provided fresh ammunition to opposition parties, which have accused the government of administrative mismanagement and demanded greater accountability.
Opposition leaders have called for detailed explanations regarding:
Expenditure beyond the approved allocation.
The inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries.
The removal of millions of names after verification.
The transfer of ₹15,000 crore into a separate account.
The expenditure on publicity.
Government leaders are expected to respond to the audit observations in the Assembly and through official channels.
Social Media Reacts
The report has generated widespread discussion online.
One user commented:
“First verify later? That’s an expensive way to run a welfare scheme.”
Another wrote:
“If over 90 lakh names had to be removed later, shouldn’t verification have happened before the money was distributed?”
A third user remarked:
“Public welfare deserves publicity—but it deserves proper implementation even more.”
These comments reflect opinions circulating on social media and do not constitute findings of the audit.
Welfare Schemes and Accountability
Large welfare programmes often involve significant logistical challenges, particularly when implemented within a short period.
Governance experts note that timely assistance to beneficiaries must be accompanied by:
Strong beneficiary verification.
Transparent accounting.
Regular audits.
Clear documentation of expenditures.
Robust grievance redressal mechanisms.
Such safeguards help ensure that public funds reach intended beneficiaries while maintaining public trust.
The Bigger Picture
The Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana remains one of Maharashtra’s largest welfare initiatives, benefiting millions of women across the state.
At the same time, the CAG’s observations have shifted attention from the scheme’s scale to its implementation.
Whether the government accepts the audit findings, offers explanations, or introduces corrective measures will likely shape the next phase of the political and administrative debate.
For now, the report serves as a reminder that successful welfare programmes are measured not only by the amount distributed but also by transparency, accountability, and efficient management of public funds.
