The Government of Maharashtra has launched the Mukhya Mantri Yuva Karya-Prashikshan Yojana, colloquially known as the Ladka Bhau Yojana, in July 2024. This pioneering apprenticeship scheme aims to address youth unemployment by providing state-funded on-the-job training and monthly financial stipends to eligible candidates. Announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Ladka Bhau Yojana underscores the state’s commitment to empowering young men with practical skills and enhancing their employability in industrial and non-industrial sectors . With an allocation of ₹5,500 crore, the program targets 10 lakh youth over six-month training periods, bridging the gap between education and industry requirements .
Ladka Bhau Yojana: Key Objectives and Vision
The Ladka Bhau Yojana is designed to achieve multiple socio-economic objectives:
- Skill Development: Equip youth with hands-on experience through structured apprenticeships.
- Financial Support: Reduce economic barriers for unemployed candidates via monthly stipends.
- Industry Partnerships: Provide industries with trained manpower, boosting productivity and economic growth .
This initiative complements the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (for women), ensuring inclusive welfare across demographic segments .
Eligibility Criteria for Maharashtra’s Ladka Bhau Yojana
To benefit from the Ladka Bhau Yojana, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Age: 18–35 years.
- Residency: Domicile of Maharashtra.
- Educational Qualification: Minimum Class 12 pass; ITI, diploma, graduation, or post-graduation qualifications are also eligible.
- Employment Status: Unemployed and not currently enrolled in academic programs.
- Documentation: Aadhaar card, bank account linked to Aadhaar, educational certificates, and residential proof .
Table: Educational Qualification-Wise Stipend Structure
| Qualification | Monthly Stipend (₹) |
|---|---|
| Class 12 Pass | 6,000 |
| ITI/Diploma Holder | 8,000 |
| Graduate/Post-Graduate | 10,000 |
Step-by-Step Application Process for Ladka Bhau Yojana
Registration Procedure for Eligible Candidates
- Online Portal Access: Visit the official website: cmykpy.mahaswayam.gov.in.
- New User Registration: Click “New User Registration” or “Intern Registration.”
- Details Submission: Fill in personal, educational, and contact information.
- Document Upload: Scan and upload required documents (Aadhaar, educational certificates, bank passbook, etc.).
- Program Selection: Choose an apprenticeship aligned with career goals.
- Application Review: Verify details and submit the form .
Post-Application Workflow
- Verification: Authorities validate documents and eligibility.
- Selection & Notification: Shortlisted candidates receive interview details via SMS/email.
- Training Initiation: Selected candidates join designated industrial/non-industrial establishments .
Table: Documents Required for Ladka Bhau Yojana Application
| Mandatory Documents | Optional Documents |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Driving License |
| Educational Certificates | PAN Card |
| Bank Passbook (Aadhaar-linked) | |
| Residential Proof | |
| Passport-Sized Photograph |
Implementation Framework and Industry Participation
Training Structure and Employer Responsibilities
The Ladka Bhau Yojana mandates a six-month apprenticeship in registered establishments. Key guidelines include:
- Employer Eligibility: Industries must be Maharashtra-based, operational for ≥3 years, and registered on the Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation portal.
- Compliance Requirements: Valid GST, Udyog Aadhaar, ESIC, and EPF registrations .
- Stipend Disbursement: The state government transfers stipends directly to beneficiaries via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) .
Monitoring and Evaluation
The Commissionerate of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation oversees portal registrations, placement tracking, and grievance resolution. A dedicated helpline (1800 120 8040) assists applicants .
Political Context and Public Response
The Ladka Bhau Yojana was announced ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. While CM Shinde positioned it as a solution to youth unemployment, opposition leaders like Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Aaditya Thackeray criticized it as a “political jumla” (gimmick), demanding upfront annual stipend disbursement . Notably, the scheme emerged after Uddhav Thackeray advocated for gender-inclusive welfare, urging extension of the Ladki Bahin scheme to males .
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the Ladka Bhau Yojana
- Fiscal Sustainability: Questions arose about Maharashtra’s debt burden (₹7.8 lakh crore), especially after the Supreme Court warned against diverting funds from land-acquisition dues to finance such schemes .
- Implementation Delays: Similar to the Ladki Bahin scheme, bureaucratic hurdles could slow registrations and stipend transfers .
- Targeted Impact: Critics argue the program may not address structural unemployment, emphasizing temporary relief over long-term job creation .
Conclusion: Future Prospects of the Ladka Bhau Yojana
The Ladka Bhau Yojana represents a strategic investment in Maharashtra’s human capital. By integrating skill development with financial assistance, it seeks to transform unemployed youth into industry-ready professionals. Eligible candidates are encouraged to register promptly via the Mahaswayam portal to leverage this opportunity. For ongoing updates, visit District Skill Development Centers or contact the helpline 1800 120 8040 .