Why Was the Ladli Behna Instalment Release Event Deferred After the Air India Plane Crash?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The 25th instalment of the Ladli Behan Yojana has been deferred due to the Air India plane crash.
- Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav emphasized the importance of human empathy in governance.
- The scheme remains committed to empowering 1.27 crore women in Madhya Pradesh.
- Integration with national schemes will enhance support for beneficiaries.
- A budget allocation of Rs 18,669 crore underscores the government’s focus on women's welfare.
Bhopal, June 13 (NationPress) The 25th instalment of Madhya Pradesh’s flagship Ladli Behan Yojana, originally slated for release on Friday (June 13), has been postponed due to the unfortunate Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav was prepared to distribute the funds during a public event in Jabalpur, but in light of the tragedy, all associated programmes have been delayed.
The chief minister expressed on his X handle, “As the nation mourns the loss of lives in the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, I have decided to defer the events planned in Jabalpur and Indore on 13 June. My deepest condolences go out to the affected families. May they find strength during this challenging time.”
Despite the postponement, the government has reiterated its commitment to the scheme, which currently offers Rs 1,250 per month to 1.27 crore women across the state.
The instalment—totaling nearly Rs 1,500 crore—is expected to be transferred soon, although a new release date has yet to be confirmed.
Initiated in June 2023, the Ladli Behan Yojana was designed to economically and socially empower women. Initially providing Rs 1,000 per month, the amount was increased to Rs 1,250 on Raksha Bandhan 2023, with a long-term goal of reaching Rs 3,000 per beneficiary.
The scheme has disbursed over Rs 28,000 crore across 24 instalments, significantly enhancing household stability and women’s financial autonomy.
In a significant policy expansion, state Finance Minister Jagdish Devda announced in the 2025–26 Budget that the scheme will now be integrated with national social security programs. Beneficiaries will be linked to the ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana’, and ‘Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana’, providing life and accident insurance as well as post-retirement financial support. This integration aims to secure long-term stability for women, especially those in vulnerable socio-economic groups.
A budgetary allocation of Rs 18,669 crore has been dedicated to the ‘Ladli Behan Yojana’ this fiscal year, highlighting the government’s ongoing focus on women’s welfare.
As the public mourns the Ahmedabad tragedy, the scheme remains a beacon of resilience and hope for millions of women in Madhya Pradesh.