The Maharashtra government has launched the Chief Minister-Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme in the state with the aim of promoting economic independence among women, improving their health and nutrition, and strengthening their role within families. The scheme's implementation has commenced at the district level, urging eligible women to apply. Starting from July 1, applications will be accepted until July 15. During a recent meeting, District Collector Vipin Itankar emphasized the prioritization of this initiative.

Application forms are available at the gram panchayat level, and women aged between 21 to 60 years can apply through Anganwadi sevaks. At the taluka level, applications should be submitted at the Nagar Parishad/Nagar Panchayat and Anganwadi Centers, while in urban areas, they are accepted at ward offices. The District Collector has instructed Chief Officers and Block Development Officers to ensure the scheme's efficient execution.

Present at the meeting were District Women and Child Development Deputy Commissioner Aparna Kolhe, District Women and Child Development Officer Bharti Mankar, along with other local officials. Participation via video conferencing included Tehsildars, Principals, and Block Development Officers.

*Eligibility and Documentation*

To qualify for the scheme, women must be residents of Maharashtra. Eligible categories include married, widowed, divorced, abandoned, and destitute women aged 21 to 60. Applicants must possess a bank account, and their annual family income should not exceed Rs 2.50 lakh.

*Disqualification Criteria*

Families are ineligible if their annual income exceeds Rs 2.50 lakh, if they include an income tax payer, or have regular/permanent employees or pensioners of government bodies (excluding outsourced and voluntary workers). Additional disqualifications apply if the beneficiary has received more than Rs 1,500 through other government financial schemes, if the family includes a sitting or former Member of Parliament/MLA, Chairman/Vice Chairman/Director/Member of a Government Board/Corporation/Undertaking, jointly owns more than five acres of agricultural land, or owns four-wheel vehicles (excluding tractors).

*Required Documents*

Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
- Scheme application form
- Beneficiary’s Aadhaar Card
- Maharashtra State Domicile Certificate/Birth Certificate
- Head of family’s income certificate issued by a competent authority
- Photocopy of the first page of the bank passbook
- Passport size photograph
- Ration card
- Undertaking to comply with scheme terms and conditions