The Madhya Pradesh Government will bear an additional Rs 3,720 crore annually with the increase in the Ladli Behna Yojana assistance from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500 per month. This hike, effective from Diwali, will push the scheme’s monthly cost from Rs 1,551 crore to Rs 1,861 crore.
The scheme, initially launched by then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in June 2023, has significantly impacted 1.27 crore women across the state, offering them financial support and empowering them economically. The Government has committed to raising the monthly assistance to Rs 3,000 by 2028, fulfilling its election promise.
When Shivraj Singh Chouhan introduced the Ladli Behna Yojana, it became a pivotal element of the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections campaign.
The scheme was designed to address the financial struggles of women, particularly those from rural, tribal, and economically weaker sections. It initially provided Rs 1,000 per month, which was raised to Rs 1,250 in October 2023.
This recent increase to Rs 1,500 marks another significant step in fulfilling the BJP’s election pledge to enhance women’s financial security.
The Ladli Behna Yojana proved to be a game-changer during the 2023 elections, significantly influencing the vote bank of women voters.
Women, especially from marginalised and rural communities, saw the scheme as a much-needed step toward financial autonomy.
The BJP’s emphasis on the scheme during the elections led to a surge in support from women voters, which played a key role in the party’s victory.
However, this increase in assistance places a considerable financial burden on the state’s budget. The total expenditure for the scheme will now rise from Rs 1,551 crore to Rs 1,861 crore per month, amounting to an additional Rs 3,720 crore annually.
The overall yearly outlay for the scheme is expected to exceed Rs 22,000 crore.
Despite concerns from the opposition about the rising cost, the government maintains that it is well-equipped to handle the burden, citing increased revenue and a growing economy as key enablers.
Opposition parties have expressed concern about the state’s rising debt, which stands at around Rs 4.31 lakh crore, warning that the additional financial commitment could strain the state’s fiscal health.
However, the Government remains firm in its commitment to the scheme, stating that the increased assistance will continue to empower women, improve household welfare, and foster economic independence.
While the government has no plans to expand the number of beneficiaries, it is expected that revised eligibility criteria, including income and age limits, could lead to a gradual reduction in the list of recipients.
In addition to the regular monthly assistance, earlier this month, the government provided a Rs 250 Raksha Bandhan gift to beneficiaries, further boosting the scheme’s popularity.
As the Ladli Behna Yojana enters its next phase with enhanced payouts, the Government faces the dual challenge of maintaining this ambitious welfare programme while ensuring fiscal discipline.
The success of the initiative will depend on how effectively the state can balance the needs of its citizens with the economic realities it faces moving forward.