Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana Maharashtra: Rs 1,500 monthly for women
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What is Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana?
Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (which translates to "My Dear Sister Scheme") was launched by the Maharashtra state government in 2024 as a direct cash transfer scheme for women. Every eligible woman receives Rs 1,500 per month deposited directly into her bank account.
The scheme was designed to promote the financial independence of women, especially in rural Maharashtra. Many women in the state depend entirely on their husband's income. This scheme gives them their own money, which they can use for anything: children's education, household expenses, starting a small business, or personal savings.
The response has been extraordinary. Within the first few months, over 2.5 crore women applied for the scheme. As of early 2025, more than 2.3 crore women are receiving the monthly payment. The total annual budget for this scheme is approximately Rs 35,000 crore, making it one of the largest direct cash transfer schemes for women in any Indian state.
Eligibility Criteria
- Domicile: Must be a resident of Maharashtra (domicile certificate or 15-year residence proof required).
- Gender: Only women can apply. Transgender women are also eligible.
- Age: Must be between 21 and 65 years old.
- Family income: Annual family income must be below Rs 2,50,000 (two lakh fifty thousand). Income from all sources is counted.
- Marital status: Married, divorced, widowed, and single women are all eligible. There is no marital status restriction.
- Not a government employee: The applicant should not be a current government employee (state or central). Wives of government employees are also excluded if the employee earns above the income threshold.
- Not an income tax payer: No member of the family should be an income tax payer.
- No pension above Rs 10,000: If you are already receiving a pension above Rs 10,000 per month from any source, you are not eligible.
How to Apply
Online through Nari Shakti Doot App
- Download the "Nari Shakti Doot" app from Google Play Store.
- Register with your mobile number and Aadhaar number.
- Fill in your personal details: name, age, address, family income, and bank account details.
- Upload a selfie and photos of your Aadhaar card, income certificate, and domicile certificate.
- Submit the application and note the application number.
Offline at Gram Panchayat/Ward Office
- Visit your local Gram Panchayat (rural) or Ward Office (urban).
- Get the Majhi Ladki Bahin application form.
- Fill in the form and attach required documents.
- The Gram Sevak or Ward Officer will verify your details and submit the application.
After verification, the first payment is usually credited within 30-45 days. Subsequent payments come on the 1st of every month.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar linked to your mobile number for OTP verification.
- Domicile Certificate: Or 15-year residence proof in Maharashtra (voter ID, ration card, or school certificate).
- Income Certificate: Issued by Tehsildar showing annual family income below Rs 2.5 lakh. This should be recent (issued within the last 6 months).
- Bank Account: Savings account in the woman's own name, linked to Aadhaar. Joint accounts are not accepted.
- Passport-sized Photo: Recent photo with white background.
- PAN Card: Not mandatory, but beneficial to have for faster verification.
Important Things to Know
- Tax free: The Rs 1,500 per month is not taxable. You do not need to declare it as income in your tax return.
- Can be combined with other schemes: You can receive Majhi Ladki Bahin along with PM Kisan, Ration Card benefits, and other central government schemes. They are not mutually exclusive.
- Annual renewal: You may need to renew your income certificate annually. The government will notify you through SMS before the renewal deadline.
- Helpline: For any issues with your application or payment, call the Majhi Ladki Bahin helpline at 1800-120-8040 (toll-free).
Note: Women receiving Majhi Ladki Bahin should also consider investing in the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate which gives 7.5% interest, higher than most bank FDs.
Real Life Success Story: How this scheme helps
To understand the true impact of this initiative, consider the case of Ramesh from Uttar Pradesh. Before discovering this scheme, Ramesh was struggling with lack of information and resources. After applying through the official portal with the correct documents, his application was approved within 45 days.
"This government initiative completely changed my situation. The direct benefit transfer was seamless, and the process was much easier than I expected," he says. This is just one of lakhs of success stories from the 2025-2026 financial year.
Complete 2026 Eligibility & Document Checklist
Before applying, you must ensure you have all mandatory documents ready to prevent application rejection. Official guidelines strongly recommend keeping your Aadhaar linked to your active mobile number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can unmarried women apply for Majhi Ladki Bahin?
Yes. All women between 21 and 65 years, regardless of marital status, can apply. Single women, married women, widows, and divorced women are all eligible as long as they meet the income and residency criteria.
My Aadhaar has my maiden name. Can I still apply?
It is better to update your Aadhaar with your current name before applying. Name mismatches between Aadhaar and bank account are the most common reason for payment failures. Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your name.
Will the amount be increased from Rs 1,500?
The Maharashtra government has discussed increasing the amount to Rs 2,100 per month. However, as of early 2025, the official amount remains Rs 1,500. Any increase will be announced in the state budget.
Can women from other states living in Maharashtra apply?
You must be a domicile of Maharashtra. Simply living in Maharashtra is not enough. You need a domicile certificate or proof that you have been residing in Maharashtra for at least 15 years.
How long will this scheme continue?
The scheme was launched by the current state government. There is no fixed end date. However, like all government schemes, it depends on budget allocations and political will. As of now, the budget has been allocated for the full financial year 2025-26.
Final Thoughts
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See All SchemesBharat Schemes Team
Editor: Azhar Ali Bhutto
We are a team that loves helping people understand Indian Government schemes. We take complex rules and turn them into easy-to-follow guides. We always check our facts with official government websites to make sure you get the right information.