The Madhya Pradesh government’s flagship welfare scheme, Ladli Behna Yojana, continues to transform the lives of countless women across the state, offering them monthly financial assistance and a renewed sense of economic independence. Rolled out in 2023 under the leadership of then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the scheme aims to provide ₹1,250 per month to eligible women aged between 21 and 60.
Designed specifically for women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the initiative covers married, widowed, divorced, and abandoned women. The core idea is to ensure that financial support reaches directly into the hands of the state’s “ladli behnas” (beloved sisters), enabling them to make better decisions for their families and personal well-being.
As of June 2025, over 1.3 crore women beneficiaries have been enrolled under the scheme. The payments are credited directly to their bank accounts through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), ensuring transparency and efficiency. With the funds, women have reportedly begun small-scale ventures, supported children’s education, and contributed to household needs—adding a layer of dignity to their financial participation.
The government has also linked the Yojana with other social welfare initiatives, including unrestrained gas cylinders, subsidised healthcare, and nutrition support, forming a more holistic empowerment model.
While the Ladli Behna Yojana has received praise for promoting gender equity and improving rural livelihoods, some critics have called for better monitoring and long-term sustainability plans. Nevertheless, the scheme is a significant step in addressing financial disparities and boosting women’s self-reliance in Madhya Pradesh.
With plans underway to expand benefits and offer skill development support, the Ladli Behna Yojana is steadily becoming more than just a cash transfer programme—it’s evolving into a movement for grassroots empowerment.
