In a major pre-festive announcement, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared that the monthly financial assistance under the Ladli Behna Yojana will be increased from ₹1,250 to ₹1,500 after Diwali. The announcement was made during a public function in Petlawad, Jhabua district, where Yadav transferred over ₹1,541 crore directly into the bank accounts of 1.26 crore women beneficiaries of the scheme.
The Ladli Behna Yojana, launched on June 10, 2023, has emerged as a flagship welfare initiative aimed at empowering women through direct cash transfers. The scheme played a pivotal role in the BJP’s sweeping victory in the November 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, and the latest hike is expected to further consolidate the party’s support base among women voters.
Financial Empowerment: Monthly Aid to Reach ₹3,000 by 2028
CM Yadav also outlined a long-term roadmap for the scheme, stating that the monthly assistance will be gradually increased to ₹3,000 by 2028. The move is part of a broader ₹27,147 crore budget earmarked for women’s welfare, with ₹18,699 crore specifically allocated for the Ladli Behna Yojana.
| Year | Monthly Aid (₹) | Beneficiaries (Crore) | Budget Allocation (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,000 | 1.05 | 12,000 |
| 2024 | 1,250 | 1.20 | 15,500 |
| Post-Diwali 2025 | 1,500 | 1.26 | 18,699 |
| 2028 (Target) | 3,000 | 1.30 (est.) | 27,147 |
The scheme’s progressive structure is designed to provide sustained financial support to women aged 21–60, especially those from economically weaker sections, widows, and single mothers.
Political Undercurrents: BJP vs Congress on Women’s Welfare
Yadav’s announcement was not without political undertones. Taking a swipe at the opposition, he accused Congress leaders of disrespecting women beneficiaries by alleging that the funds were being misused to purchase liquor. “This is an insult, and the state will not tolerate it,” Yadav said, defending the dignity and autonomy of the scheme’s recipients.
The BJP has consistently positioned Ladli Behna as a counter-narrative to Congress’s welfare promises, framing it as a direct empowerment tool rather than a populist handout.
| Party | Position on Ladli Behna Yojana |
|---|---|
| BJP | Flagship empowerment scheme |
| Congress | Criticized fund utilization |
| Regional Parties | Mixed reactions |
Scheme Impact: Direct Transfers and Social Security Integration
Alongside the Ladli Behna disbursement, CM Yadav also transferred ₹320.89 crore to 5.34 million beneficiaries under the Social Security Pension Scheme and ₹48 crore in LPG refill subsidies for 3.1 million women. These integrated welfare measures are part of the state’s broader push for financial inclusion and social protection.
| Welfare Component | Amount Transferred (₹ Crore) | Beneficiaries (Million) |
|---|---|---|
| Ladli Behna Yojana | 1,541 | 1.26 |
| Social Security Pension Scheme | 320.89 | 5.34 |
| LPG Refill Subsidy | 48 | 3.1 |
The direct benefit transfer (DBT) model ensures transparency and minimizes leakages, with funds credited directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
Cultural and Regional Outreach: Tribal Pride and Development
The announcement was made during a tribal pride and women’s empowerment event in Jhabua, a region with significant tribal population. Yadav paid tribute to victims of the 2015 Petlawad blast and highlighted local agricultural achievements, including tomato exports from Petlawad.
He also released the book “Jhabua ke Sanjeevak,” documenting tribal Ayurvedic traditions, and distributed motorized four-wheel scooters to 11 persons with disabilities. The event began with a traditional ‘kanya pujan’ and ceremonial lamp lighting, reinforcing the cultural symbolism of the Ladli Behna initiative.
| Regional Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Petlawad Blast Tribute | Honoring 85 victims of 2015 tragedy |
| Book Release | “Jhabua ke Sanjeevak” on tribal Ayurveda |
| Scooter Distribution | 11 PwDs received mobility aids |
| Agricultural Promotion | Tomato exports from Petlawad |
Infrastructure Push: PM MITRA Park and Development Projects
Yadav also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the PM MITRA Park at Bhainsola on September 17. The park is expected to boost cotton cultivation and generate employment in the textile sector. Additionally, the Chief Minister laid foundation stones for 72 development projects worth ₹345.34 crore in the region.
| Development Initiative | Investment (₹ Crore) | Sector Focus |
|---|---|---|
| PM MITRA Park (Bhainsola) | TBD | Cotton/Textile |
| Local Projects (Jhabua) | 345.34 | Roads, Health, Education |
These announcements are part of the BJP’s strategy to link welfare with infrastructure, showcasing a dual approach to governance.
Women-Centric Governance: A Strategic Pillar
The Ladli Behna Yojana is part of a continuum of women-focused schemes in Madhya Pradesh, including the Ladli Laxmi Yojana, which has benefited over 51 lakh girls with ₹672 crore in assistance. CM Yadav also reiterated his commitment to 33% reservation for women in upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
| Women-Focused Schemes | Beneficiaries (Lakh) | Total Assistance (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Ladli Behna Yojana | 126 | 18,699 |
| Ladli Laxmi Yojana | 51 | 672 |
| LPG Subsidy (Women) | 31 | 48 |
| Social Security Pension | 53.48 | 320.89 |
These initiatives reflect a governance model that places women at the center of policy and politics, with financial aid serving as both empowerment and electoral strategy.
Conclusion: Diwali Brings a Bigger Promise for Ladli Behna Beneficiaries
With the festive season approaching, CM Mohan Yadav’s announcement to raise Ladli Behna Yojana aid to ₹1,500 after Diwali is both a welfare boost and a political signal. As Madhya Pradesh continues to expand its women-centric development agenda, the scheme’s evolution—from ₹1,000 in 2023 to a projected ₹3,000 by 2028—underscores the BJP’s commitment to long-term social investment.
Whether viewed through the lens of empowerment, electoral calculus, or economic inclusion, Ladli Behna Yojana remains a defining feature of Madhya Pradesh’s welfare landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified news reports, and official data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or political advice. All figures and timelines are subject to change based on official updates.
