Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Maharashtra simplifies Lek Laadki scheme for girl child welfare
The government of Maharashtra in India is helping girls by giving their families money at important times in their lives.
This help is called the Lek Laadki scheme.
The government has made it easier for families to apply.
Parents can now sign up on a website called Aaple Sarkar.
They need to show fewer papers than before.
The government can find the family's details using the Aadhaar number.
Girls get Rs 5,000 when they are born.
They get more money when they start big new classes at school.
When a girl turns 18, her family gets Rs 75,000.
This money helps girls go to school and feel strong and important.
Maharashtra has simplified its Lek Laadki scheme, allowing eligible girls' parents to apply online via the Aaple Sarkar portal with fewer documents.
Beneficiary details will be fetched automatically using Aadhaar numbers, with E-KYC of the girl, her mother and father.
Girls born on or after April 1, 2023 can receive financial assistance totalling Rs 1.01 lakh at milestones from birth to age 18.
Previously excluded beneficiaries can apply until August 15, 2027, while new cases must apply within a year of the girl's birth.
So far, 2,98,695 beneficiaries have received the first instalment under the scheme.
- Who
- Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare announced the simplified scheme for eligible girls and their families.
- What
- The Lek Laadki scheme was simplified to allow online applications through the Aaple Sarkar portal, with automatic Aadhaar-based detail fetching, reduced documentation, E-KYC, and direct bank transfers.
- When
- Announced on Sunday, August 16; applications for girls eligible from April 1, 2023 are accepted until August 15, 2027.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To empower girls, encourage their education, promote a positive attitude towards girls, and include previously excluded beneficiaries.
- Scheme
- Lek Laadki (girl child welfare scheme)
- Announced by
- Aditi Tatkare, state Women and Child Development Minister
- Total assistance
- Rs 1.01 lakh per beneficiary
- Instalments
- Rs 5,000 (after birth), Rs 6,000 (Class 1), Rs 7,000 (Class 6), Rs 8,000 (Class 11), Rs 75,000 (age 18)
- Eligibility
- Girls born on or after April 1, 2023; Maharashtra resident; yellow or orange ration card
- Application portal
- Aaple Sarkar online portal
- Deadline for previously excluded
- August 15, 2027
- Beneficiaries so far
- 2,98,695 received first instalment