Major Fraud Uncovered in Haryana’s Lado Laxmi Scheme; 25,000 Fake Applications Detected

Haryana’s flagship Lado Laxmi Scheme, introduced to support and empower women across the state, has come under the spotlight after authorities unearthed a massive fraud involving thousands of fake applications. Nearly 25,000 illegitimate entries were detected during the verification process, raising serious concerns about misuse and system loopholes.

The revelation has shocked both the government and citizens, as the scheme was designed to provide direct financial assistance to eligible women and strengthen their economic independence.

Investigations revealed that a large number of applications were submitted using forged or manipulated documents. Some of the most alarming patterns included:

Several men allegedly applied for the scheme using their own identity details but attaching photographs of women to appear eligible. This tactic was commonly used to bypass basic eligibility checks.

The scheme is strictly limited to women residing in Haryana. Despite this, thousands of applicants from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan attempted to enroll themselves. Many used altered or fake domicile documents to appear as Haryana residents.

Officials found that in numerous cases, Family ID records and domicile certificates were manipulated. These forged details were detected when application numbers significantly exceeded the actual number of eligible women in the respective districts.

Upon identifying the discrepancies, the Haryana government swiftly rejected all 25,000 fake applications. Authorities stated that the fraud came to light during digital verification, when data inconsistencies were flagged by the system.

The government has assured that stricter scrutiny measures and improved digital validation tools will now be implemented to prevent such incidents. Officials emphasized that the misuse of public welfare schemes will not be tolerated, and any individual found guilty may face legal action.

Launched with the objective of enhancing women’s economic stability, the Lado Laxmi Scheme offers ₹2,100 per month to eligible beneficiaries. The financial aid can be used for essential needs such as household expenses, children’s education, healthcare, or savings for emergencies.

The scheme was envisioned as a tool for women’s empowerment, helping them achieve greater independence and financial security. However, the recent exposure of widespread fraud has raised questions about transparency and implementation.

The discovery of such a large-scale scam has sparked frustration among citizens. Many believe that fraudsters not only misuse taxpayer money but also deprive genuinely deserving women of their rightful benefits.

Residents and activists argue that the incident highlights the need for:

• Stronger verification systems




• Better monitoring of welfare schemes




• Strict penalties for those forging documents

Government officials, meanwhile, maintain that the new layer of digital verification will ensure cleaner and more accurate beneficiary lists going forward.

Despite the controversy, the Lado Laxmi Scheme remains an important welfare initiative for women in Haryana. The government now faces the challenge of rebuilding public trust and ensuring that assistance reaches only the rightful beneficiaries.

Strengthening oversight, adopting fully digital processes, and enhancing cross-state data checks will be crucial to preventing future misuse. Ensuring transparency is key to maintaining the credibility of the scheme and supporting women who genuinely rely on this financial aid.

The discovery of 25,000 fake applications has undoubtedly damaged the scheme’s reputation, but it has also highlighted the urgent need for better governance and stricter safeguards.