The Ladki Bahin Yojana, also known as Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, is a flagship scheme launched by the Maharashtra government in July 2024. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged women in the state, empowering them to become self-reliant and improve their quality of life. The scheme has garnered widespread attention due to its significant impact on women’s welfare and its role in addressing gender inequality.
As of February 2025, the scheme has successfully disbursed six installments of financial aid to eligible beneficiaries. The seventh installment is eagerly awaited, with updates indicating that it will be released in phases throughout January and February 2025. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme, including its objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits, and the latest updates regarding the seventh installment.
Article Contents
Ladki Bahin Yojana 7th Installment
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana |
| Launch Date | July 2024 |
| Monthly Financial Assistance | ₹1,500 (proposed increase to ₹2,100) |
| Eligibility Age Range | 21 to 65 years |
| Annual Income Limit | Less than ₹2.5 lakh |
| Beneficiaries | Women residing in Maharashtra |
| Target Groups | Married, widowed, divorced, abandoned, destitute women |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Total Beneficiaries (as of Jan 2025) | Over 2.46 crore women |
| Total Funds Allocated | ₹46,000 crore |
| Application Process | Online and offline |
Objectives of Ladki Bahin Yojana
- To provide consistent financial support to women from economically weaker sections.
- To empower women by promoting financial independence and reducing economic disparities.
- To improve women’s access to basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and education.
- To strengthen women’s decision-making roles within families and communities.
- To address gender inequality by improving women’s economic participation.
Eligibility Criteria For Ladki Bahin Yojana
- Be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Be aged between 21 and 65 years.
- Have an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh.
- Not own a four-wheeler vehicle (exceptions apply for specific cases like tractors).
- Not be a recipient of similar monthly financial assistance from other government schemes.
- Possess an Aadhaar-linked bank account for DBT transfers.
Benefits of the Ladki Bahin Yojana
- Monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 (with a proposed increase to ₹2,100).
- Direct transfer of funds to beneficiaries’ bank accounts to ensure transparency.
- Access to additional support programs aimed at skill development and entrepreneurship.
Latest Updates on the 7th Installment
Release Timeline
The seventh installment of ₹1,500 under the scheme began disbursement in January 2025. Due to administrative delays, the payments are being processed in phases:
- First Phase: Started on January 14, 2025.
- Second Phase: Scheduled for completion by January 26, 2025.
- Third Phase: Expected to conclude by early February 2025.
Proposed Increase in Financial Assistance
The Maharashtra government has announced plans to increase the monthly assistance from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100. However, this enhancement is subject to approval during the upcoming budget session in February-March 2025.
Scrutiny Process
To ensure that only eligible women receive benefits, the government has initiated a verification process. Women owning four-wheelers or receiving similar benefits from other schemes are being excluded from the list of beneficiaries.
Installment History
| Installment Number | Date Released | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| First Installment | August 17, 2024 | ₹1,500 |
| Second Installment | September 15, 2024 | ₹1,500 |
| Third Installment | September 25, 2024 | ₹1,500 |
| Fourth Installment | October 15, 2024 | ₹1,500 |
| Fifth Installment | November 15, 2024 | ₹1,500 |
| Sixth Installment | December 24, 2024 | ₹1,500 |
| Seventh Installment | January-February 2025* | ₹1,500 |
How to Check Payment Status
- Visit the official Ladki Bahin Yojana website.
- Click on “Check Installment Status.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number or bank account details.
- Submit the information to view your payment status.
Challenges and Criticism
- Administrative delays in fund disbursement have caused inconvenience for beneficiaries.
- The exclusion criteria (e.g., owning a four-wheeler) have been criticized as unfair by opposition parties and women’s rights groups.
- The verification process has raised concerns about potential errors leading to wrongful exclusions.
Future Prospects
- Increasing monthly payouts to ₹2,100 after budget approval.
- Expanding eligibility criteria to include more women from marginalized communities.
- Introducing additional support programs for skill development and entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a transformative initiative that has significantly improved the lives of millions of women in Maharashtra. By providing consistent financial assistance and promoting economic independence, the scheme addresses critical issues such as poverty and gender inequality. While there are areas for improvement—such as streamlining fund disbursement and refining eligibility criteria—the program’s overall impact underscores its importance as a tool for women’s empowerment.
As beneficiaries await the release of the seventh installment and potential enhancements in financial aid, the Ladki Bahin Yojana continues to serve as a beacon of hope for economically disadvantaged women across Maharashtra.
