The Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana, launched by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, stands as one of India's most ambitious women empowerment initiatives. Introduced in March 2023, the scheme aims to ensure economic independence, improved nutrition, and enhanced decision-making power for women across the state.
Under this flagship programme, eligible women receive direct monthly financial assistance, helping them meet essential household expenses, support children's education, and build small savings.
The Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana was conceptualized to:
Strengthen the financial position of women, especially from low-income families.
Reduce economic dependence on male members.
Support women in becoming equal contributors to family and community development.
Address issues of malnutrition, social inequality, and rural poverty.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, who continues to champion the initiative started under former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has said that the scheme represents "a direct path to prosperity for the sisters of Madhya Pradesh."
Women must meet specific criteria to qualify for the scheme:
| Eligibility Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 21 to 60 years |
| Residency | Must be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh |
| Marital Status | Married, widowed, divorced, or abandoned women are eligible |
| Income Limit | Annual family income should be below ₹2.5 lakh |
| Employment Status | Government employees and income-tax payers are not eligible |
| Bank Account | Must have an active bank account linked with Aadhaar for DBT transfers |
When the scheme was launched in June 2023, beneficiaries received ₹1,000 per month. In October 2023, the amount was increased to ₹1,250, benefiting around 1.26 crore women across the state.
As announced by CM Mohan Yadav in September 2025, the monthly assistance has now been hiked to ₹1,500 starting November 2025, along with a ₹250 "Bhai Dooj" festive bonus - which will also be credited in the same month.
Total Beneficiaries: 1.26 crore women
Total Funds Disbursed So Far: Over ₹45,000 crore (in 29 installments)
Estimated Annual Budget (Post-Hike): ₹22,000 crore
Future Target: Monthly assistance to reach ₹3,000 by 2028
The scheme follows a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) model - funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account every month. Beneficiaries receive SMS notifications once the amount is credited. The process is fully digitized to ensure transparency and prevent duplication.
Women can check their payment status online via:
MP e-Governance kiosks and Gram Panchayat offices
According to state data, the scheme has had measurable outcomes in:
Increasing women's participation in financial decision-making at home.
Supporting education and healthcare expenses for children.
Reducing reliance on local moneylenders.
Enhancing self-employment opportunities through small business support.
Many women have reportedly used the funds for micro-enterprises like tailoring, dairy farming, or food vending - turning a welfare benefit into a livelihood opportunity.
Despite its success, experts have raised concerns over:
Fiscal burden: The scheme adds significantly to the state's welfare expenditure, which could strain the annual budget.
Implementation delays: Payments are occasionally deferred due to treasury clearances.
Exclusion errors: Some eligible women, especially in rural areas, still face Aadhaar or bank linking issues.
However, the state government maintains that "no eligible sister will be left behind" and is conducting data verification drives to improve coverage.
Chief Minister Yadav recently stated that the government plans to integrate skill development and self-employment opportunities into the scheme under "Ladli Behna 2.0." The upgraded version will link beneficiaries with:
Skill training under CM Udyam Kranti Yojana
Subsidized loans through cooperative banks
Free insurance and pension coverage for senior women
The Ladli Behna Yojana continues to be a lifeline for millions of women in Madhya Pradesh, empowering them economically and socially. With the new ₹1,500 monthly assistance and the promise of expansion into skill and employment support, it represents a model welfare initiative that blends direct aid with long-term empowerment.