Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana 2024: Extended Deadlines and New Benefits

Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana 2024: Key Changes and Application Process

The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, announced by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in the budget, commenced beneficiary registration on July 1. This scheme has garnered significant attention, with women from every district and taluka in Maharashtra showing great interest. The scheme, aimed at empowering women, has undergone several crucial changes to make it more accessible and beneficial.

Major Changes in the Scheme

1. Extended Application Deadline
   • Initially, the application period was from July 1 to July 15, 2024. This has now been extended to two months, allowing applications until August 31, 2024. Women who apply by this new deadline will receive a monthly financial benefit of ₹1,500 starting from July 1, 2024.
2. Alternative Documentation for Residence Proof
   • Previously, a domicile certificate was mandatory. Now, if the beneficiary does not have a domicile certificate, they can provide one of the following:
     • A ration card from 15 years ago
     • Voter ID
     • School leaving certificate
     • Birth certificate
3. Removal of the Five-Acre Land Condition
   • The restriction that excluded women owning more than five acres of land has been removed, making more women eligible for the scheme.
4. Expanded Age Eligibility
   • The age eligibility range has been widened from 21-60 years to 21-65 years, allowing older women to benefit from the scheme.
5. Inclusion of Women Married to Maharashtra Domiciles
   • Women born in other states but married to men with Maharashtra domicile will be considered eligible. Acceptable documents for their husbands include:
     • Birth certificate
     • School leaving certificate
     • Domicile certificate
6. Relaxation on Income Certificate Requirement
   • If a family does not have an income certificate showing an annual income of up to ₹2.5 lakhs, possession of a yellow or orange ration card will suffice.
7. Inclusion of Unmarried Women
   • The scheme now also benefits one eligible one unmarried woman per family.

Application Process

To benefit from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, women can apply through various channels:

1. Online Portal/Mobile App
   • Applications can be submitted through the official scheme portal or mobile application.
2. Setu Service Centers
   • Women can also apply at designated Setu service centers.

Required Documents

Applicants need to provide the following documents:

• Aadhar card
• Domicile certificate or birth certificate from Maharashtra
• Income certificate issued by a competent authority (annual income up to ₹2.5 lakhs)
• Bank passbook photocopy (first page)
• Passport-sized photograph
• Ration card
• Declaration of adherence to scheme terms and conditions

The Bottom Line

The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana 2024 has been made more inclusive and accessible through these significant changes. By extending the application period, relaxing documentation requirements, and expanding eligibility criteria, the scheme aims to provide financial support to a broader spectrum of women in Maharashtra.