Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav has announced a Rs 250 hike in the Ladli Behna Scheme, increasing monthly aid to Rs 1,500 from Diwali 2025 for 1.27 crore women. The scheme, launched in 2023, aims to empower women financially. A special Rs 250 Raksha Bandhan bonus will also be credited in July, with plans to reach Rs 3,000 by 2028.
Madhya Pradesh Boosts Ladli Behna Yojana with Rs 1,500 Monthly Aid
The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a significant enhancement to the Ladli Behna Yojana, a flagship scheme aimed at providing financial support to women across the state. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav revealed that starting from Diwali 2025, approximately 1.27 crore eligible women will receive Rs 1,500 per month, marking a Rs 250 increase from the current Rs 1,250. This announcement was made during a women’s empowerment conference in Niwari district, where the CM also inaugurated development projects worth Rs 109 crore.
The Ladli Behna Yojana, launched in June 2023 by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has been a cornerstone of the state’s efforts to promote economic independence among women. Initially providing Rs 1,000 monthly to eligible married, widowed, and divorced women, the scheme saw an earlier hike to Rs 1,250 in September 2023, ahead of the state assembly elections. The latest increase fulfills a promise made in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) 2023 poll manifesto, which outlined a gradual rise to Rs 3,000 per month by 2028.
In addition to the monthly hike, CM Yadav announced a special Rs 250 “shagun” for Raksha Bandhan, to be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts in July 2025, bringing the total amount for that month to Rs 1,500. This festive bonus aims to enhance the scheme’s appeal and provide additional financial relief during the festival season. The CM also hinted at further increments, stating that an additional Rs 250 would be added annually, with the goal of reaching Rs 3,000 per month by 2028.
The scheme’s expansion comes with a significant financial commitment. The state has allocated Rs 18,669 crore in the 2025-26 budget for the Ladli Behna Yojana, but the increased aid is expected to add an extra Rs 310 crore monthly burden, pushing the annual cost beyond Rs 22,000 crore. Critics, including opposition leaders, have raised concerns about the state’s rising debt, which has reached Rs 4.31 lakh crore after borrowing Rs 9,500 crore this fiscal year. They argue that while the scheme benefits millions, its sustainability amidst the state’s financial challenges remains a concern.
The Ladli Behna Yojana has transformed the lives of many women in Madhya Pradesh by providing a steady income stream to meet daily expenses. Eligible women, aged 21 to 60, can apply through local panchayat offices or the scheme’s official website, ladlilaxmi.mp.gov.in. The government has also introduced a Rs 5,000 incentive for women entering the workforce, further emphasizing women’s empowerment.
In Maharashtra, a similar scheme, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, provides Rs 1,500 monthly to women aged 21 to 65. However, recent reports indicate that 2,289 ineligible women government employees were removed from the beneficiary list following verification by the Women and Child Development Department. The Maharashtra government has promised to increase the aid to Rs 2,100 per month if re-elected, though no timeline for this hike has been confirmed.
The Ladli Behna Yojana continues to be a game-changer for women’s financial inclusion in Madhya Pradesh, with the latest hike reinforcing the government’s commitment to its female electorate. As the state gears up for future elections, the scheme’s expansion is likely to remain a key political and social talking point.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official announcements from the Madhya Pradesh government. Information has been sourced from credible outlets like Hindustan Times, Times of India, and News18. Readers are advised to verify details through official government portals for the most accurate and updated information.