Madhya Pradesh Delays Rs 250 Festive Bonus for Ladli Behnas: Monthly Assistance to Increase to Rs 1,500 in November

The anticipated Bhai Dooj gift for millions of Ladli Behnas across Madhya Pradesh did not materialize on Thursday. The government's promised Rs 250 festival installment under the Ladli Behna Yojana remained untransferred.

Thousands of women gathered at the Chief Minister's residence in Bhopal with expectations of receiving the festival transfer. However, they departed with only assurances instead of funds.

During the event, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that the Rs 250 would now be deposited in the following month, alongside the enhanced monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 per woman, increased from the current Rs 1,250.

"From November onwards, every sister in Madhya Pradesh will receive Rs 1,500 monthly. The Rs 250 increase represents more than just money—it symbolizes new courage and hope," stated the Chief Minister.

Previously, the Ladli sisters had been informed that the Rs 250 Bhai Dooj gift would be credited before the festival. However, the transfer was postponed due to budgetary limitations and delayed approval from the Finance Department.

Sources indicated that the government had initially intended to deposit Rs 1,500 in one transaction before October 15. However, the release was delayed twice—first to Diwali, then to Bhai Dooj.

Officials privately acknowledge that the Finance Department's delayed approval and budget constraints led to the postponement. Since its launch in June 2023, the government has transferred over Rs 45,000 crore through 29 installments of the Ladli Behna Yojana.

The new increase from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500 monthly is expected to benefit 1.26 crore women and cost the state an additional Rs 300 crore each month.

Despite the delay, the Chief Minister utilized the occasion to emphasize the scheme's cultural and social importance.

"No civilization worldwide has accorded women such elevated status as Sanatan Dharma," said Dr. Yadav. "Bhai Dooj celebrates a sister's blessing and a brother's responsibility. Madhya Pradesh maintains this tradition while empowering women to achieve independence," he added.

He commended women for utilizing previous installments to establish small businesses—purchasing sewing machines, photocopying equipment, or initiating dairy farming—transforming financial assistance into sustainable livelihoods.

Under the revised plan, eligible women will receive Rs 1,500 monthly beginning in November, directly credited to their bank accounts.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state's objective extends beyond welfare to economic transformation through women's self-reliance.

"Our sisters are not merely beneficiaries; they constitute the foundation of family and society. The new installment will strengthen their confidence and enhance household income," he stated.

In its election manifesto, the BJP had promised to increase the scheme's benefit to Rs 3,000 monthly, suggesting that Thursday's announcement might represent an intermediate step toward that larger commitment.