Upper age limit to avail Ladki Bahin scheme raised to 65: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde

“The scheme has been implemented from July 1. There are some objections over the deadline to fill the form for this scheme. We will not put any such restriction. We will accept the forms whenever they come, be it July end or August or September. The beneficiaries will get the money of all months starting from July,” said Shinde.

He was replying to the discussion on Governor’s address in the legislative Assembly.

Earlier in the day, MLAs from all parties had raised the issue of difficulties faced by women in acquiring necessary documents such as income certificate, domicile certificate to avail the benefits of the scheme.

The MLAs had claimed that at several places, local government employees were demanding money to get the documents. “No such official will be tolerated. We appeal women to complain against such corrupt officials. The government will suspend them and put them in jail,” the CM said.

Under this scheme, women between the age group of 21 to 61 were to get the benefits of the scheme.

Former chief minister and Congress MLA Prithviraj Chavan had raised the demand to increase the age limit. “Women above 60 are in greater need of money. The age limit should increase,” he had said.

Shinde announced that the age limit for the scheme has been increased to 65.

Raising point of information in the legislative Assembly, MLAs from different parties had raised the issue about overcrowding of women at the registrations centers for the CM Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme and difficulties experienced by the women.

State minister Shambhuraj Desai, who was present in the House, then had assured the MLAs that the government has noticed all the issues and will announce appropriate decisions for the same.