Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reaffirmed the state’s commitment to women empowerment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a state-level event on International Women’s Day at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium, he highlighted how the Ladli Behna Yojana, initiated in Madhya Pradesh, is now being recognized across the country. He emphasized that empowering women is pivotal to building a stronger and more prosperous India.
Yadav stated that ensuring women’s rights leads to positive societal transformations. He noted that India, since ancient times, has honored maternal power, with Sanatan culture depicting wealth and strength through goddesses. He asserted that after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, women will witness the impact of the 33% reservation in Parliament, leading to greater female participation in governance.
The state government has raised women’s job reservation in government services from 33% to 35%. Additionally, a 1% rebate is provided on property registration fees, resulting in a significant increase in property ownership by women. Notably, 44% of startups in Madhya Pradesh are led by women, and the government is actively promoting women entrepreneurship through over 5 lakh self-help groups.
During the event, Yadav transferred Rs 1552.73 crore to 1.27 crore women under the Ladli Behna Yojana, bringing the total disbursement from January 2024 to February 2025 to Rs 22,227.89 crore. He assured that the scheme will never be discontinued and that the government has sufficient resources to sustain it. Under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, Rs 55.95 crore was transferred for LPG cylinder refilling to 29 lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, with Rs 825 crore disbursed so far.
Yadav emphasized the state’s strict stance against crimes against women, vowing capital punishment for offenders. He highlighted the Religious Freedom Act, which aims to curb forced conversions and fraudulent marriages. The government has also introduced additional benefits for female employees, including seven extra days of casual leave and 180 days of maternity leave for contractual workers.
Women and Child Development Minister Ms Nirmala Bhuria praised the government’s unwavering dedication to women’s safety, education, healthcare, and financial independence. She lauded the impact of Ladli Behna Yojana in making women self-reliant. Ms Bhuria also announced the launch of the ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ campaign in collaboration with the police department, which has significantly raised awareness about gender equality and women’s rights.
Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel underscored the cultural significance of women, describing them as the foundation of strength and progress. Director General of Police Kailash Makwana highlighted the ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ initiative, under which 984 public places were surveyed to enhance workplace safety for women. A comprehensive security audit was also conducted, with recommendations analyzed by IIM Indore.
MP V.D. Sharma stated that the future belongs to a ‘women-led government’ and praised Prime Minister Modi for championing gender equality.
On this occasion, Yadav inaugurated an exhibition of self-help group products under the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission and flagged off three mobile organic market vehicles in Bhopal.
During the event, Yadav presented the state-level Women and Child Development Department awards, each carrying a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a memento, and a certificate. Notable recipients included Madhuri Moyade (Indore) – Rashtra Mata Padmavati Award for rescuing a 12-year-old girl from abuse, Komal Kinnar (Sheopur) – Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Social Service Award (2023) for her 15-year contribution to girls’ education.