Ladki Bahin Yojana: Maharashtra govt announces Diwali Bonus 2024, check key details

The Maharashtra government has announced the Diwali Bonus 2024 under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. According to the recent announcement, the government will transfer the 4th and 5th instalments of ₹3000 to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries selected for the Ladki Bahin Yojana Diwali Bonus 2024 program, as per a report by the Economic Times (ET).

What is Ladki Bahin Yojana?

Officially known as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, initiated by the state government of Maharashtra, this scheme is a financial assistance program. Under the scheme, the government aims to provide direct financial support of ₹1500 every month to over one crore women in the state aged between 21 to 65.

Diwali Bonus 2024

The Maharashtra government is planning to provide the 4th and 5th instalments of the Ladki Bahin Yojana in advance as a Diwali Bonus. More than 94,000 women in Maharashtra have already received the advance payment in their accounts, as per the ET report.

The government has introduced the bonus to provide assistance to women during the festive season so they can spend without worrying about their finances.

According to the report, the beneficiaries will receive both the instalments for the months of October and November, ₹3000, in October itself. This will allow them to shop for the upcoming Diwali festival.

Eligibility criteria for Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

The bonus will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries who have registered for the program and have received the previous instalments. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Women residents of Maharashtra can apply online.
• Applicants must be permanent residents of Maharashtra.
• Female applicants should be between 21 and 65 years old.
• All women—married, unmarried, abandoned, divorced, or destitute—are eligible.
• Applicants need to have a bank account in their name in any bank.
• The family income of the applicant must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.

Disqualifications for Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

• Applicants whose families have a combined annual income of over ₹2.50 lakh are not eligible.
• If a family member of the applicant is an income taxpayer, they are not eligible.
• If the applicant is from a family where members are regular employees or pensioners in government jobs or local bodies, are excluded. However, contract workers and voluntary workers with an income up to ₹2.50 lakh can still apply.
• Applicants already receiving ₹1,500 or more per month through other government financial schemes are not eligible.
• Families with current or former Members of Parliament (MP) or Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) are excluded.
• Families with members who hold positions as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Director, or members of government boards or corporations are not eligible.
• Those who own a four-wheeler (excluding tractors) registered in a family member's name are also excluded.

Documents required for Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

• Aadhaar Card
• Identity Card
• Bank Account Details
• Caste Certificate
• Residence Certificate
• Age Proof
• Ration Card
• Passport Size Photograph
• Income Proof (Yellow and orange ration card holders don’t need any income proof)
• Domicile certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Voter ID

How to apply for Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana?

Women who are unable to apply online can contact local officials such as Anganwadi workers, Gram Sevaks, or help centre staff for assistance. Both online and offline application options are available at these centres and there is no fee for applying.

Applicants should ensure their name, date of birth, and address are filled out correctly as per their Aadhaar card. Furthermore, bank details and a mobile number must also be provided accurately.

Deadline for applying to Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline to submit applications for the Ladki Bahin Yojana until October 15, 2024. Women who fail to fill out their application within the deadline will not be eligible for receiving financial aid.