Will Madhya Pradesh ensure Rs 3,000 monthly for 1.27 crore beneficiaries of 'Ladli Behna Yojana' by 2028?

Bhopal, June 19 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has pledged that his administration will provide Rs 3,000 monthly to 1.27 crore recipients of the 'Ladli Behna Yojana' by 2028, coinciding with the election year.

The current monthly payment of Rs 1,250 will be increased to Rs 1,500 starting from the upcoming Diwali festival.

This announcement was made during a virtual address from the Indore Collectorate to a state-level event held in Talun village, Barwani district, in recognition of World Sickle Cell Day.

The program was initially scheduled to be chaired by President Droupadi Murmu, but her visit was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Chief Minister Yadav reaffirmed his government’s dedication to progressively raising the monthly aid to Rs 3,000 by 2028.

“This was included in our Sankalp Patra (election manifesto),” asserted CM Mohan Yadav.

He highlighted that the initiative commenced in 2023 with Rs 1,000 and was later increased to Rs 1,250, with further enhancements aimed at boosting women’s financial independence. He criticized the Congress for opposing the initiative.

Due to poor weather, CM Yadav was unable to reach Barwani by helicopter, opting instead for a remote address. However, Governor Mangubhai Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla attended the event in person.

The Ladli Behna Yojana, aimed at supporting married women aged 21 to 60 from families earning less than Rs 2.5 lakh annually, has disbursed 25 instalments totaling over Rs 28,000 crore. This initiative is recognized for enhancing women’s decision-making authority within households while fostering improved nutrition and education for children.

Alongside the monthly payments, the state government has also introduced a Rs 250 festive bonus for Raksha Bandhan, resulting in a total disbursement of Rs 1,500 for that month. The extension of this scheme is viewed as a significant element of the state’s social welfare strategy and a pivotal aspect of the BJP’s electoral campaign.

An impact assessment study is currently in progress to analyze how beneficiaries are utilizing the funds and the wider socio-economic implications of the program. Preliminary findings indicate that the scheme has led to increased savings, improved healthcare access, and greater involvement of women in local governance.

This announcement from the Chief Minister coincides with intensified efforts to tackle sickle cell disease, especially in tribal areas like Barwani, highlighting a dual emphasis on health and social equity.