In a significant move aimed at strengthening targeted welfare delivery, the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) has issued a notification authorizing the sharing of Income Tax data with the Government of Maharashtra to help identify eligible beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana.
According to Notification No. 54/2025, issued on June 3, 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has empowered the Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra, Women and Child Development Department, to access relevant taxpayer information under Section 138(1)(a)(ii) of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
This notification facilitates the Maharashtra State Government's access to confidential taxpayer data, strictly for the purpose of verifying income eligibility of applicants under the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana - a flagship welfare scheme aimed at empowering girls and women across the state.
Strengthening Welfare Delivery Through Data
The decision reflects the Centre's commitment to using data for efficient and transparent welfare delivery, ensuring that benefits reach the intended low-income groups without duplication or misuse. The notification allows selective and purpose-driven sharing of data, aligning with India's broader strategy to integrate administrative databases for social welfare targeting.
The Income Tax Department, under the CBDT, has increasingly collaborated with State and Central agencies to support schemes related to education, health, and direct benefit transfers (DBT), using income data to determine eligibility and minimize leakages.
About the Scheme
The Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched by the Maharashtra Government with the goal of supporting girl children and empowering women through financial assistance, education incentives, and healthcare initiatives. Income-based eligibility is a crucial criterion under this scheme, making accurate access to tax data a vital component of its successful implementation.
Legal Framework
Under Section 138 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the government can authorize the sharing of taxpayer information with specific government functionaries for purposes deemed in public interest. The current notification ensures compliance with legal provisions while enabling targeted delivery of welfare schemes.
Official copy of the notification is as follows
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(Department of Revenue)
(CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES)
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 3rd June, 2025
S.O. 2479(E).– In pursuance of sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 138 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the Central Government hereby specifies 'Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra, Women and Child Development' for the purposes of the said clause in connection with sharing of information regarding Income-taxpayers' for identifying eligible beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana.
[Notification No. 54/2025/ F. No. 225/213/2024/ITA-II]
CASTRO JAYAPRAKASH T., Under Secy.
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