Ladli Behna Scheme: Will the Installments Increase Soon? Pressure Mounts on MP Post Maharashtra's Success

The Ladli Behna Scheme in Madhya Pradesh, aimed at empowering women, might soon witness a hike in its monthly installment amounts. Recent successes of similar schemes in other states, like Maharashtra's Ladki Behan Yojana, have intensified pressure on the Madhya Pradesh government to revise and increase the financial benefits under its own scheme.

Background of the Ladli Behna Yojana in MP

The scheme was launched in 2023, initially providing ₹1,000 per month to eligible women, later increased to ₹1,250. This initiative played a crucial role in ensuring the BJP's success in the assembly elections.

However, other states, such as Maharashtra and Haryana, have already raised their monthly payouts to ₹2,100 or more, putting Madhya Pradesh under pressure to match these figures.

Comparative Overview of Similar Schemes

• Haryana: Under the Lado Lakshmi Scheme, ₹2,100 per month has been promised before elections, up from the current ₹1,500.
• Maharashtra: The Ladki Behan Yojana offers ₹1,500 monthly, with an announcement to increase it to ₹2,100 after elections.
• Jharkhand: The Maiya Samman Yojana started with ₹1,000 per month, and the Soren government has pledged to raise it to ₹2,500 before the elections.

Government's Plan in MP

In recent public statements, CM Dr. Mohan Yadav indicated plans to gradually increase the Ladli Behna scheme installments. He suggested that the monthly payout could eventually reach ₹2,000, ₹3,000, or even ₹5,000.

This gradual increase, however, is likely to face financial challenges, as the scheme currently costs the state approximately ₹1,573 crore per month, benefiting 1.29 crore women. Any significant hike in the payout will dramatically increase the fiscal burden.

When Will the Increase Happen?

Although there is pressure to raise the amount soon, it is anticipated that any substantial hike will align with the next election cycles:

• Local Body Elections in July 2027
• Assembly Elections in 2028

The political dynamics suggest that the government may use the enhanced benefits as a key electoral strategy.

Conclusion

The Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh is under scrutiny and comparison with similar schemes in other states. While the government has hinted at increasing the payout, the financial implications and timing suggest that major changes may only occur closer to the next elections. Meanwhile, opposition parties continue to demand an immediate increase to ₹3,000 per month to fulfill earlier promises.