Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme Update: January Installment May Be Delayed, Beneficiaries Urged to Complete Pending Formalities

Lakhs of women in Maharashtra are currently anxious about the next payment under the state government’s flagship welfare initiative, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme. As the new year begins, confusion persists over the release of the December 2025 installment, which many beneficiaries say has not yet been credited to their bank accounts. Adding to the concern, there is still no official announcement regarding the January 2026 installment, raising fears that the payment could be delayed or temporarily halted.

Growing Uncertainty Among Beneficiaries

The Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme was launched with the aim of providing financial support and economic security to eligible women across Maharashtra. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive ₹1,500 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). However, despite completing all required procedures, many women report that the December installment has not reached their accounts even after January has begun.

This uncertainty has led to widespread concern, with beneficiaries questioning the reasons behind the delay and seeking clarity on when the pending amount will be credited.

e-KYC Made Mandatory to Continue Benefits

To ensure that benefits reach only eligible women, the Maharashtra government made e-KYC mandatory under the scheme. The Director of the Women and Child Development Department, Aditi Tatkare, had publicly urged beneficiaries to complete their e-KYC by December 31, 2025, warning that failure to do so could result in suspension of payments.

The e-KYC process was made available through the official portal ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in, and authorities stated that the procedure was simple and user-friendly. However, even women who completed e-KYC well before the deadline claim they have not received the December installment. Officials have clarified that verification is still underway, which may be contributing to the delay.

When Will the January 2026 Installment Be Released?

As of now, the government has not announced any official date for releasing the January 2026 installment. This lack of clarity has fueled speculation. Some local media reports suggest that the payment may be released after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.

There are also unconfirmed reports claiming that the government may credit both the December and January installments together, amounting to ₹3,000, around Makar Sankranti on January 14. However, neither the Chief Minister’s Office nor the concerned department has confirmed these reports. While such speculation has raised hopes among beneficiaries, it has also increased uncertainty.

It is worth noting that the November installment was credited during the first week of January, indicating that delays are not unprecedented under the scheme.

Key Features and Eligibility Criteria of the Scheme

The Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme is open to women aged between 21 and 65 years who are residents of Maharashtra. Eligible categories include married women, widows, divorced women, and one unmarried daughter per family. To qualify, the family’s annual income must be below ₹2.5 lakh.

Other conditions include:

• The beneficiary’s bank account must be linked with Aadhaar

• The family should not own a four-wheeler

• No family member should be an income tax payer or a government employee

Required documents include Aadhaar card, ration card, voter ID, and income certificate. However, families holding yellow or orange ration cards are exempted from submitting a separate income certificate.

No Official Clarification Yet

Despite rising concerns, the Women and Child Development Department has not issued a clear statement regarding the exact release date of the January installment. The absence of official communication has further added to the confusion among beneficiaries.

The Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme is widely regarded as a significant step toward women’s empowerment and financial independence in Maharashtra. However, repeated delays in installment payments risk undermining confidence in the scheme.

Beneficiaries now hope that the state government will soon provide a clear timeline for pending payments and ensure that eligible women receive their financial assistance without further uncertainty.