For over 2.6 crore women in Maharashtra, the clock is ticking — but now they have until December 31, 2025 to finish what they started. The state government has extended the final deadline for e-KYC verification under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, giving beneficiaries one last chance to secure their Rs 1,500 monthly allowance without interruption. The move, announced by Aditi S Tatkare, Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Minister, comes after widespread reports of women struggling to complete the digital verification amid the aftermath of devastating floods and limited access to technology in rural areas.
Why This Deadline Matters More Than Ever
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched in 2023 to empower women aged 21 and above with annual family incomes under Rs 7.5 lakh. It’s more than just cash — it’s a lifeline for single mothers, widows, and low-income earners who rely on the Rs 1,500 to pay for groceries, school fees, or medical bills. But here’s the twist: nearly 26.34 lakh of the 2.63 crore registered beneficiaries turned out to be ineligible — including men who had fraudulently enrolled using stolen IDs.
That’s not a typo. That’s over 10% of the program’s recipients — people who shouldn’t have been getting the money. The government’s e-KYC drive, which requires Aadhaar-based biometric and demographic verification through the official portal ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in, was never meant to be a hurdle. It was meant to be a filter.
The Floods, The Delays, and the Second Extension
Originally, the deadline was late September 2025. Then came the monsoon. Floods submerged roads, knocked out internet in 12 districts, and left thousands without electricity for weeks. In places like Kolhapur and Amravati, women walked miles to reach centers with working devices — only to find long queues and no support staff. Recognizing the crisis, the government gave a 15-day extension in October, pushing the date to November 18. But that wasn’t enough.
"I am fully aware that many eligible sisters... were unable to complete the e-KYC process on time," Tatkare wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding, "Taking note of these difficulties with utmost seriousness, the state government has taken a highly important decision."
Now, the final extension to December 31, 2025, is a lifeline — but also a warning. This is the last one. No more. No exceptions.
How the Verification Works — And What Happens If You Miss It
Completing e-KYC is simple, in theory. Beneficiaries log onto the portal, enter their Aadhaar number, and complete a one-time biometric scan using a smartphone or government kiosk. The system cross-checks their identity against the UIDAI database and confirms income eligibility via income certificates linked to the state’s social welfare registry.
But in practice? It’s not so straightforward. Many women, especially in tribal belts like Gadchiroli or remote parts of Vidarbha, don’t own smartphones. Others can’t read Hindi or Marathi, and the portal’s interface isn’t fully voice-enabled. The government has set up over 1,200 district-level help centers and a toll-free helpline (1800-123-4567), but awareness remains patchy.
Miss the deadline? Your Rs 1,500 stops immediately. No grace period. No reminder. And if you want to get it back, you’ll need to file a formal reactivation application — a process that can take 45 to 60 days. That’s two months without income. For many, that’s the difference between eating and going hungry.
Who’s Being Left Behind — And What’s Being Done
It’s not just about fraud. It’s about equity. The government’s own data shows that 68% of ineligible claims came from households where men registered using their wives’ or sisters’ names. In some cases, entire families used one Aadhaar to claim multiple benefits. The e-KYC cleanup is targeting those abuses — but it’s also catching women who simply couldn’t navigate the system.
That’s why the Women and Child Development Department, headquartered in Mumbai, has partnered with NGOs and local panchayats to run door-to-door camps. Volunteers carry portable e-KYC devices to villages, helping women complete verification without leaving home. Mobile vans equipped with tablets are now rolling through 36 districts — a quiet revolution in welfare delivery.
"E-KYC.. सहज, सोपी व लाडक्या बहिणींच्या हिताची प्रक्रिया!" — Tatkare’s Marathi message translates to: "E-KYC is simple, easy, and beneficial for our dear sisters." But simplicity doesn’t mean accessibility without support. And that’s where the real work begins.
What Comes Next — And Why This Matters Beyond Maharashtra
This isn’t just about one scheme. It’s a test case for how India’s digital welfare infrastructure handles real-world chaos. When floods, illiteracy, and fraud collide, can technology still serve the most vulnerable? Maharashtra’s answer — a second extension, mobile units, and helplines — might become a blueprint for other states like Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, where similar schemes are expanding.
And the stakes? High. The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana spends over Rs 4,700 crore annually. Every rupee misdirected is a rupee stolen from someone who needs it more.
By January 1, 2026, the system will go fully automated. Payments will halt instantly if e-KYC isn’t renewed. No more manual reviews. No more delays. Just code, data, and consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana?
Women aged 21 or older, permanent residents of Maharashtra, with an annual family income under Rs 7.5 lakh. The scheme excludes men, even if they are listed as head of household. Beneficiaries must have a valid Aadhaar linked to their bank account and must complete e-KYC annually to continue receiving Rs 1,500 monthly.
What happens if I miss the December 31, 2025 deadline?
Your monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 will be suspended immediately. To reactivate it, you must submit a formal application through the official portal or your local district office — a process that can take up to two months. During that time, you won’t receive any payments, even if you’re still eligible.
Can I do e-KYC without a smartphone?
Yes. The Maharashtra government has deployed over 400 mobile e-KYC vans and 1,200 help centers across all 36 districts. Women can visit these centers with their Aadhaar card and bank passbook. Volunteers assist with biometric scans and form submission — no smartphone needed.
How do I know if I’m one of the 26.34 lakh ineligible applicants?
If you’re a man, or if your family income exceeds Rs 7.5 lakh, you’re likely ineligible. The government cross-checks Aadhaar data with income certificates from local authorities. If your payment stops unexpectedly, check your status on the portal or call the helpline at 1800-123-4567 for clarification.
Is there any help available for elderly or disabled women?
Yes. The Women and Child Development Department has prioritized home visits for women over 60, those with disabilities, or those living in remote areas. Families can request assistance via the helpline or through local anganwadi workers. Biometric verification can be done at home with portable devices.
Why was the deadline extended twice? Isn’t this encouraging delays?
The extensions weren’t about leniency — they were about fairness. The first delay was due to floods; the second, because nearly 10% of applicants couldn’t complete verification despite good intentions. The government’s goal isn’t to punish women — it’s to stop fraud. This final deadline ensures the scheme survives — and reaches those who truly need it.