The Ladli Behna Yojana is a flagship welfare initiative launched by the Madhya Pradesh government in March 2023 under the leadership of former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The scheme aims to provide financial support and empower women to become equal participants in household and social decision-making.
Key Features of Ladli Behna Yojana
- Monthly Financial Assistance: Eligible women receive ₹1,250 per month directly in their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The scheme benefits over 1.25 crore women in Madhya Pradesh.
- Social Upliftment Goals: The scheme’s objectives go beyond monetary support—it promotes women’s health, nutrition, and financial independence.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Women aged between 21 and 60 years (as of January 1 of the application year)
- Resident of Madhya Pradesh
- Annual family income must be below ₹2.5 lakh
- No family member should be an income tax payer or government employee
- No ownership of a four-wheeler or more than 5 acres of land
Latest Updates and Developments
- Raksha Bandhan Bonus: In August 2025, beneficiaries received a special ₹250 “shagun” in addition to the regular ₹1,250, making the total disbursal ₹1,500 for the month.
- Proposed Increase in Monthly Support:
- From Diwali 2025, the payout will rise to ₹1,500.
- The government has outlined a phased plan to increase this to ₹3,000 by the year 2028.
- Budget Implications: The enhancement will require over ₹22,000 crore annually. This is an increase of nearly ₹3,700 crore per year from current levels.
- Latest Installment Disbursed: The 24th installment of the scheme has already been credited to 1.27 crore women, indicating robust implementation.
Public Reactions and Discussions
- Empowerment vs Freebie Debate: While many view the scheme as a progressive move toward gender equality, critics argue that such welfare initiatives might be politically motivated and may burden the state’s budget.
- Political Angle: Some experts believe the timing and scale of the scheme may have been influenced by electoral strategies, especially given its wide coverage and appeal among female voters.
Final Thoughts
The Ladli Behna Yojana represents a significant effort to strengthen the socio-economic status of women in Madhya Pradesh. Its success lies in its ability to address both short-term financial needs and long-term empowerment. However, its future impact will depend on sustained funding, transparent implementation, and the ability to evolve beyond a financial aid model into a full-fledged women’s development mission.
