Maharashtra removes more than 92 lakh beneficiaries from the state’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana after a large verification drive. Multiple outlets report that the state cites e-KYC failures as the main reason for exclusions, while other beneficiaries are also found to be ineligible under the scheme’s rules. Reported disqualifications include exceeding the income limit, being outside the age criteria, filing or being associated with income tax, already receiving benefits under the Namo Shetkari Yojana, and cases involving men enrolled despite the scheme being for women. Some reporting also says errors include families linked to government employees and other non-eligible categories. The revised beneficiary count drops to about 1.5 crore from earlier estimates that the programme covered over 2 crore or more. The verification follows concerns raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which questions the scheme’s financial burden and the justification for state spending. Opposition leaders challenge the scale of removals and alleged misuse, while the state government says the scheme will continue and that benefits are meant for economically weaker women who do not have an independent source of income. Officials also indicate a final list will be prepared after additional verification and that complaints are being reviewed.