Madhya Pradesh has established a strong national presence with numerous success stories, setting a new standard in women’s empowerment. The consistent efforts of the state government have fostered a spirit of enterprise and self-reliance among women. Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to increase women’s reservation in government services from 33 percent to 35 percent, and it has also implemented a 50 percent reservation in Panchayat and urban body elections. Additionally, the state government provides loans to women entrepreneurs at a reduced interest rate of 2 percent. Through the Livelihood Mission, over 40 lakh women have been connected to self-employment opportunities.
The state government stands true to its promises and intentions, launching several new schemes for women with highly encouraging results. Thanks to these efforts, women in Madhya Pradesh are no longer seen as helpless; they have emerged stronger and more empowered than ever.
The birth of a daughter is now celebrated as a boon in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Sankalp se Siddhi,’ has worked tirelessly to make the women of the state, the "Ladli Behnas," self-reliant and empowered. Today, the impact of his efforts is visible across the state. The campaign to strengthen women has achieved significant milestones in empowering them and fostering self-reliance. Many states across the country have recognized Madhya Pradesh’s initiatives in women’s empowerment and have begun implementing similar measures. Through the Ladli Behna Yojana, a monthly sum of Rs 1250 is directly deposited into the accounts of nearly 1.29 crore women in the state. This groundbreaking initiative has set an example for other states, with Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Bihar adopting the Ladli Behna Yojana as a model for progress in women’s empowerment.
Twenty years ago, Madhya Pradesh was regarded as a malnourished state, but this is now a thing of the past. The state has emerged victorious in its sustained and phased battle against malnutrition. Comparative data from the National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) of 2005-06 and the ongoing 2019-21 survey clearly demonstrate the state government's dedicated efforts and success in combating malnutrition. In 2005-06, approximately 60 percent of children were underweight for their age, but by 2020-21, this figure had dropped to 33 percent. Due to this remarkable progress, Madhya Pradesh now holds the third position nationally in the fight against malnutrition.
The state government left no stone unturned in garnering financial resources for the safety of pregnant women and infants. Upgradation, maintenance, and operation of Anganwadi centers have always been the priority of the Madhya Pradesh government. In this direction, the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has decided to upgrade 12 thousand 670 mini Anganwadi centers of the state into full-fledged Anganwadi centers. For this, a total of 13 thousand 146 new posts including 476 new posts of supervisors, 12 thousand 670 Anganwadi assistants have been approved.
The state government has launched various initiatives under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Child Health and Nutrition Mission. Mangal Diwas is celebrated at Anganwadi Centers, and through the Mukhya Mantri Bal Aarogya Samvardhan Programme, critically malnourished children are receiving care with support from AIIMS. The government is committed to bringing joy to women and children across the state. Currently, 73.40 lakh women beneficiaries are registered with Aadhaar. Additionally, the sex ratio has improved from 927 to 956, and cases of child marriage have significantly declined.
“Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao” has been the motto of the state government and the work of distributing bicycles and scooters to girls to reach school and college respectively is being done so that it facilitates their education. The state government has taken upon itself the responsibility of bearing the expenses of preparation of daughters for examinations like Doctor, Engineer, JEE, Judge, CA etc. to ease the responsibility on parents. The state government is giving an incentive of Rs 25,000 to daughters for taking admission in graduate or professional courses after class 12th. It has been the intention of the state government that every daughter of the state can fulfill her dreams.
The state government is serious about prioritizing women’s safety. One-stop centers are operated in all 57 districts of the state to assist them in case of emergency or any kind of crisis. Also, the service of helpline number 181 is being provided.
