Ladli Behna Yojana: State disbursed over ₹28,000 crore in just two years

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Thursday released the 24th installment of the Ladli Behna Yojana, transferring ₹1,551.89 crore into the accounts of 1.27 crore women across the state. Since its inception, the scheme has disbursed over ₹28,000 crore in just two years. The announcement was made during a program held in Sidhi district.

Launched under the tenure of former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the scheme has now completed two years. It provides ₹1,250 per month—or ₹15,000 annually—as direct financial aid to eligible women in the state.

State Economy

Despite the benefits, the scheme continues to attract criticism, particularly regarding its launch timing. Opposition parties, especially the Congress, argue that the scheme was introduced just months ahead of the 2023 Assembly Elections, raising concerns about its political motivations amid a weakening state economy.

As of March 31, 2025, Madhya Pradesh’s total debt stood at ₹4.21 lakh crore, now risen to ₹4.31 lakh crore. Recently, the state secured an additional ₹5,000 crore loan from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to be repaid in two installments—₹2,500 crore by May 7, 2037, and the rest by May 7, 2039.

What’s more alarming is that the 2025–26 state budget is also pegged at ₹4.21 lakh crore—the same figure as its current debt. Alongside, the government is expected to pay nearly ₹29,000 crore in interest payments in this fiscal year alone, raising serious concerns about long-term financial sustainability.

Welfare vs. Fiscal Reality

The latest installment of the Ladli Behna Yojana coincided with the receipt of the RBI loan, prompting further debate. Critics argue that such social welfare disbursements, while beneficial, may be financially unsustainable given the state’s mounting liabilities.

The scenario reflects a difficult balancing act: on one hand, the government aims to offer public relief; on the other, it faces increasing scrutiny over fiscal discipline and debt management.

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