Ladli Behna Yojana: New Rules Require Surveys, But Anganwadi Workers Refuse To Participate—Here’s Why

The Mahayuti government recently launched the Ladli Behna Yojana, aimed at supporting women financially. This initiative was introduced just before the assembly elections, and it proved beneficial for the government during the election period. However, the scheme came with specific terms and conditions that applicants needed to meet. Unfortunately, many women who did not fit these criteria were still able to benefit from the scheme.

Now, the government has announced that women who do not meet the eligibility requirements will no longer receive financial support from the scheme. In fact, some women have voluntarily withdrawn their applications as a result of these stricter conditions.

Photo Credit: PTI

Under the Ladli Behna Yojana, eligible women receive Rs 1,500 deposited into their bank accounts every month. With the new rules in place, a survey is being conducted to identify and confirm the eligibility of applicants. This survey will focus on areas where complaints have been made regarding the scheme, and applications from women who do not meet the requirements will be rejected. It is expected that the tightening of these criteria will significantly decrease the number of beneficiaries.

According to the Nav Bharat Times report, in Nagpur, Anganwadi workers have refused to carry out the surveys for the Ladli Behna Yojana. Their refusal stems from not receiving an incentive allowance from the government for their efforts in filling out applications for another scheme, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. The government promised an incentive of Rs 50 for each application filled, but the workers have yet to receive any payment.

This situation raises important questions about how the survey will proceed without the cooperation of Anganwadi workers. If the survey cannot be conducted, it remains unclear how the government will enforce the new eligibility criteria. Nevertheless, the government has stated that it will not reclaim any benefits that women have already received under the scheme.