Image Source: Economic Times
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced a significant boost to the Ladli Behna Yojana, targeting enhanced financial independence and employment for women. Under the revised scheme, women participating in industrial employment will now receive a monthly support of Rs 5,000 from the state government, replacing the standard payouts for those in eligible sectors. This bold step is positioned to drive both women’s welfare and the state’s industrial growth, marking a milestone in inclusive policy-making.
Key Highlights: New Industrial Incentive for Ladli Behna Workers
The latest update, revealed at a Laghu Udyog Bharti event in Bhopal, sets Ladli Behna scheme benefits for industrial workers at Rs 5,000 per month, a notable jump from the previous Rs 1,500 and planned Rs 3,000 under the standard scheme.
Women employed by registered industries will receive this revised monthly payout directly from the Madhya Pradesh government.
Industrial employers are expected to pay an additional Rs 8,000 monthly, bringing the total monthly earnings for these women workers to between Rs 12,000 and Rs 13,000.
This move replaces existing Ladli Behna payments (Rs 1,500–3,000) for beneficiaries opting into industrial employment and targets economic advancement through direct workforce participation.
The Scheme’s Evolving Impact and Background
Launched in June 2023, the Ladli Behna Yojana was first introduced by then-CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan to uplift economically disadvantaged women by providing monthly cash assistance. The BJP government had pledged a stepwise increase in payments, with the target of Rs 3,000/month by 2028 for standard beneficiaries.
Over 1.28 crore women across Madhya Pradesh have benefited from the scheme, with funds delivered via direct bank transfer for transparency and regularity.
The scheme originally covered all eligible married women aged 21 to 60 with family incomes below a prespecified threshold, expanding its reach and impact over time.
The latest industrial workplace benefits are specifically designed to encourage more women to enter the formal workforce—a sector where women’s participation remains notably low in the state.
Broader Policy Measures and Industry Reforms
At the same Bhopal event, CM Yadav reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reviving small and medium enterprises. He announced the streamlining of approvals and a time-bound plan for MSME permissions to foster a business-friendly climate.
Additional incentives will be offered for setting up new ITIs, polytechnics, and engineering colleges in Madhya Pradesh, in sync with the state’s broader manufacturing and workforce development vision.
The government also plans to attract national and international research institutes to new innovation and study centers at IIT Indore.
Social and Economic Implications
The move is expected to catalyze greater female participation in industry, provide stable income, and narrow the gender gap in Madhya Pradesh’s labor market.
For beneficiaries, the payout structure represents a path to higher earnings, skill-building opportunities, and greater autonomy.
Political analysts view the Ladli Behna expansion as both a progressive welfare policy and a response to demands for greater social equity and livelihood security.
Conclusion
With its extended Ladli Behna scheme, the Madhya Pradesh government is setting a new bar for state-led women’s empowerment through economic opportunity. The shift from basic welfare to incentivized industrial employment projects both vision and resolve—promising long-term gains for women, families, and the broader economy.
Sources: New Indian Express, PolicyBazaar, India TV News, BankBazaar
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