Maharashtra Lek Ladki Yojana — How to Apply & Benefits

What is Lek Ladki Yojana?

Lek Ladki Yojana is a flagship scheme announced by the Government of Maharashtra in the 2023-24 state budget to empower girl children from economically weaker families. The scheme provides a total financial assistance of ₹1,01,000 in 5 instalments from birth until the girl turns 18.

The scheme is designed to encourage families to welcome and educate girl children, reduce gender-based discrimination, and ensure financial support for the girl's higher education or career.

Financial Benefits — 5 Instalments

Who is Eligible?

• Girl child born on or after the scheme's implementation date (2023-24)
• The family must hold a Yellow or Orange ration card (BPL/Antyodaya category)
• The family must be a resident of Maharashtra
• Both institutional and home deliveries are covered (institutional preferred for smooth processing)
• The girl must continue her education to receive subsequent instalments
• No limit on the number of girl children per family (each eligible girl can benefit)

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card of parents — See our Aadhaar guide
• Birth Certificate of the girl child
• Yellow or Orange Ration Card — Check our ration card guide for details
• Domicile Certificate (Maharashtra)
• Income Certificate (if applicable)
• Bank account details (mother's Aadhaar-linked account preferred)
• School admission proof (for 2nd to 4th instalments)
• Age proof (for 5th instalment — turning 18)
• Passport-size photographs

Step-by-Step Application Process

Online Application (MahaDBT Portal)

1. Register on MahaDBT — Visit mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in and create an account
2. Login using your credentials
3. Navigate to WCD schemes — Find "Lek Ladki Yojana" under Women and Child Development
4. Fill application form — Enter family details, ration card number, girl child's birth details
5. Upload documents — Birth certificate, ration card, Aadhaar, bank details
6. Submit application — Review and submit; note the application number
7. Verification — Local Anganwadi worker and block officer verify the details
8. Approval and payment — Amount credited to bank account via DBT

Offline Application

1. Visit the nearest Anganwadi centre or District Women and Child Development office
2. Collect the Lek Ladki Yojana application form
3. Fill in all details and attach document photocopies
4. Submit the form at the office
5. Collect acknowledgement receipt

For Subsequent Instalments

• Automatic notification may be sent when the girl reaches the eligible stage
• Apply through MahaDBT with the school admission proof
• The school may also facilitate the application process

Processing Time

• Application to approval: 30-60 days
• Payment: Via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account
• Subsequent instalments: Apply when the girl reaches the relevant stage

Important Tips

1. Apply immediately after birth — Don't delay the 1st instalment application
2. Keep ration card updated — Ensure the girl child's name is added to the family ration card
3. Maintain education continuity — Dropping out of school means losing future instalments
4. ₹75,000 at 18 — The largest instalment comes at age 18; ensure the girl completes schooling to claim it
5. Combine with central schemes — Lek Ladki benefits can be availed alongside Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and other central girl child schemes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Lek Ladki Yojana available for APL families?

No, currently the scheme is limited to families holding Yellow (BPL) or Orange (Antyodaya) ration cards. APL families are not eligible.

Q2: What if we don't have a ration card?

A valid Yellow or Orange ration card is mandatory. If you don't have one, apply for a ration card first through the Maharashtra PDS portal. See our ration card guide for help.

Q3: Can the girl child born before 2023 avail this scheme?

No, the scheme applies only to girl children born on or after the scheme's implementation date. Girls born before this date are not eligible.

Q4: Is the ₹75,000 given as a lump sum?

Yes, the 5th instalment of ₹75,000 is a lump sum paid when the girl turns 18. This amount is intended to support her higher education, skill training, or career start.

Q5: Can boys avail this scheme?

No, Lek Ladki Yojana is exclusively for girl children. It is designed to promote the welfare and education of girls.

Q6: What if we move to another state?

The family must remain residents of Maharashtra to continue receiving benefits. If you permanently move out, subsequent instalments may not be disbursed.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of Maharashtra. Information is compiled from official sources for citizen convenience. Always verify details on the official WCD portal before applying.