In Ranchi 133k women over 50 were removed from MMSY while 250k new applicants await approval under the welfare scheme
Changes in Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojna Beneficiaries
Approximately 133,000 beneficiaries over the age of 50 have been phased out of the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojna (MMSY) in the past year. At the same time, nearly 250,000 applications from newly eligible women who turned 18 are pending, according to sources close to the developments.
Details of the Scheme
The MMSY is a key program of the Hemant Soren government. Women aged 18 to 50 receive ₹2,500 each month through direct benefit transfer (DBT). The scheme began in August 2024, initially providing ₹1,000 per month to beneficiaries.
In a cabinet meeting before the Jharkhand assembly elections in November 2024, the government approved an increase to ₹2,500 per month. On January 6, 2025, Chief Minister Hemant Soren distributed ₹2,500 to 5.6 million beneficiaries.
Reduction in Beneficiaries
Officials from the social welfare department reported a decrease of over 500,000 beneficiaries. This reduction is mainly due to the removal of ineligible beneficiaries and those over 50 years old.
According to the latest data, 5.104 million beneficiaries received funds in October. This number dropped to 5.098 million in November. The December amount has not yet been disbursed, but the trend shows a gradual decline. Around 430,000 beneficiaries were removed during the initial filtration after the scheme’s launch. Additionally, 133,776 beneficiaries were removed due to age during the year.
Application Process for New Beneficiaries
The system automatically deletes beneficiaries who turn 50 based on their date of birth. However, no new names have been added because applications must be physically reviewed and updated on the portal before inclusion.
Sources indicate that about 250,000 applications from those who turned 18 are pending across 24 districts. These applications are accepted at block offices and during the annual Sarkar Aapke Dwar outreach program.
Pending Applications and Budgetary Provision
No official order has been issued to halt the processing of applications, but they remain pending for unknown reasons. Social welfare department secretary Manok Kumar did not respond to inquiries regarding this issue.
The Hemant Soren government has allocated ₹13,363.35 crore for MMSY. This amount represents 14.56% of the planned outlay and 9.21% of the total budget of ₹1.45 lakh crore. This is the largest expenditure by the government on any welfare scheme.
| Details | Figures |
|---|---|
| Beneficiaries phased out (age 50+) | 133,000 |
| Pending applications (newly eligible) | 250,000 |
| Initial monthly amount (launched) | ₹1,000 |
| Current monthly amount | ₹2,500 |
| Beneficiaries in October | 5.104 million |
| Beneficiaries in November | 5.098 million |
| Budget for MMSY | ₹13,363.35 crore |
