Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will transfer ₹1,835.67 crore to more than 1.25 crore women beneficiaries under the Ladli Behna Yojana during a state programme in Narsinghpur on 13 May 2026 (Wednesday), the state government announced on Monday. The disbursement marks the 36th monthly instalment of the flagship welfare scheme since its launch in June 2023.

About the Ladli Behna Yojana

The Ladli Behna Yojana was launched in June 2023 with the stated objective of promoting economic empowerment, self-reliance, and dignity among women in Madhya Pradesh. The scheme delivers monthly cash transfers directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, ensuring funds reach recipients without intermediaries.

Initially, eligible women received ₹1,000 per month. The monthly payout was raised to ₹1,250 in October 2023 and subsequently increased to ₹1,500 per month from November 2025. Women receiving lower amounts under other social security pension schemes are provided additional top-up assistance to guarantee the full monthly payout.

Cumulative Disbursements and Annual Spending

Between June 2023 and April 2026, the scheme has completed 35 monthly instalments, with a cumulative ₹55,926.51 crore transferred directly into beneficiaries' accounts, according to official figures. Year-wise, the state spent ₹14,726.05 crore in 2023-24, ₹19,051.39 crore in 2024-25, and ₹20,318.53 crore in 2025-26. For the current financial year 2026-27, the state government has allocated ₹23,882.81 crore for the scheme — a year-on-year increase that reflects its expanding beneficiary base and higher per-capita payouts.

Impact on Women Beneficiaries

State officials say the scheme has contributed to greater financial independence among women, with beneficiaries reporting improved ability to manage household expenses, children's nutrition, education, and healthcare. Many women have reportedly joined Self-Help Groups (SHGs), launched small businesses, or taken up self-employment activities since receiving the monthly transfers.

Notably, the direct bank transfer model has also improved financial inclusion and banking awareness among rural, tribal, and urban women — including widows, divorced women, and those who have been abandoned. This is seen as a secondary benefit beyond the immediate cash support.

Political and Fiscal Context

The Ladli Behna Yojana has become one of the most prominent welfare programmes associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh. The scheme's rapid scaling — from ₹14,726 crore in its first year to a projected ₹23,882 crore in 2026-27 — underlines the state's significant fiscal commitment to direct benefit transfers as a governance tool. With the annual outlay growing by over 60% in three years, questions around long-term fiscal sustainability are likely to remain part of the policy conversation. The 13 May event in Narsinghpur is expected to be a high-profile occasion with Chief Minister Yadav presiding over the transfer ceremony.