India, April 2 -- Nearly 68 lakh accounts under the Maharashtra government's Ladki Bahin Yojana have been closed after beneficiaries failed to complete the mandatory e-KYC process within the stipulated deadline, officials said on Wednesday.

Out of a total 2.43 crore registered beneficiaries, the number of active accounts has now reduced to around 1.75 crore following the closure. However, the state government has extended the e-KYC deadline from March 31 to April 30, indicating that some accounts may be restored if compliance is completed within the new timeframe.

The verification drive was initiated after complaints surfaced that ineligible individuals, including male members and government employees, had availed benefits under the sch...