Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Madhya Pradesh Commits ₹1.33 Lakh Crore for Women
Madhya Pradesh plans to spend a very large amount of money helping women, girls and mothers.
The money will support three government schemes until 2030-31.
Ladli Behna gives eligible women ₹1,500 every month.
In August, women also received an extra ₹250 for Raksha Bandhan.
Ladli Laxmi gives girls money at important education and age milestones.
Matru Vandana gives eligible pregnant women and mothers financial help linked to pregnancy and childbirth.
The government says these payments can help families and make women more financially independent.
However, researchers and the article say more evidence is needed to know whether the schemes create lasting improvements.
Madhya Pradesh approved ₹1,32,829.12 crore for three women- and child-focused schemes through 2030-31.
Ladli Behna receives the largest allocation: ₹1,14,365 crore for monthly support to eligible women.
More than 1.25 crore Ladli Behna beneficiaries received ₹1,750 each in August, including a one-time ₹250 Raksha Bandhan payment.
Ladli Laxmi received ₹16,326.47 crore for stage-linked support to eligible girl children, while PMMVY received ₹2,137.65 crore for maternity assistance.
The combined commitment averages about ₹26,566 crore annually, equivalent to roughly 6.3% of MP’s FY2026-27 total expenditure.
- Who
- The Madhya Pradesh government, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, eligible women, girl children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- What
- The state approved ₹1,32,829.12 crore through 2030-31 for Ladli Behna, Ladli Laxmi and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
- When
- The Cabinet decision was announced on August 18, 2026; the August Ladli Behna payment was transferred on August 19, 2026.
- Where
- Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Why
- To provide financial assistance to women, girls and mothers and support women’s self-reliance, education and maternal welfare.
Government’s case
Questions and limitations
Women’s financial independence
Government’s case
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the ₹1,500 monthly Ladli Behna payment is helping women become self-reliant, with some beneficiaries buying sewing machines or livestock to generate income.
Questions and limitations
The article says the available evidence does not establish that Ladli Behna has produced lasting improvements in women’s economic independence.
Economic impact
Government’s case
An SBI Research report found that Ladli Behna beneficiaries with Jan Dhan accounts recorded about ₹9,302 more merchant-outlet spending per person than a comparison group, suggesting transfers supported household economic activity.
Questions and limitations
The spending difference is an early indication of economic activity, but it does not by itself prove lasting social or economic gains.
Scale of welfare spending
Government’s case
The state describes the three schemes as a major long-term investment in women, girls and mothers, with support covering monthly payments, education milestones and maternity needs.
Questions and limitations
The article raises whether the ₹1.33 lakh crore commitment will create lasting gains in women’s independence, girls’ education and maternal welfare rather than primarily remain recurring welfare spending.
- Total commitment
- ₹1,32,829.12 crore through 2030-31
- Ladli Behna allocation
- ₹1,14,365 crore
- Ladli Behna monthly payment
- ₹1,500 for eligible women
- August Ladli Behna transfer
- More than ₹2,148 crore to over 1.25 crore beneficiaries, including a one-time ₹250 Raksha Bandhan payment
- Ladli Laxmi allocation
- ₹16,326.47 crore for stage-linked assistance to eligible girl children
- PMMVY allocation
- ₹2,137.65 crore from 2026-27 to 2030-31
- Budget comparison
- The combined commitment averages about ₹26,566 crore annually, or roughly 6.3% of MP’s FY2026-27 total expenditure