Major Update on Ladli Behna Yojna: Likely Renamed ‘Devi Subhadra Yojna’, Beneficiaries to Receive ₹1,500 for the First Time

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government is considering renaming the popular Ladli Behna Yojna as ‘Devi Subhadra Yojna’. Officials have nearly completed the formalities for the name change, which is expected to be announced soon by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. The announcement is likely during an event on 12 November in Seoni, where the CM will also transfer the scheme’s financial aid directly into the accounts of beneficiary women. On this occasion, beneficiaries will receive ₹1,500 per month instead of ₹1,250, marking the first time the higher amount will be disbursed.

Financial Implications for MP Budget

The increase in the monthly aid will require an additional ₹1,793.75 crore in the state budget for the financial year 2025-26. The total projected expenditure for the year will now stand at ₹20,450.99 crore. Currently, Madhya Pradesh has 1.26 crore Ladli Behna beneficiaries, and the government has already disbursed a total of ₹44,000 crore under the scheme.

The proposed new name, Devi Subhadra Yojna, honors Devi Subhadra, sister of Lord Krishna and Balarama, wife of Arjuna, and mother of the legendary Mahabharata warrior Abhimanyu. Devi Subhadra is also revered as Yogmaya.

Scheme Introduced During Shivraj Era

The Ladli Behna Yojna was initially launched during the tenure of former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Under CM Dr. Mohan Yadav, the government is reviewing the renaming of several schemes, following a similar change from ‘CM Rise School’ to ‘Sandipani School’. Other government programs are also expected to be reviewed after the renaming of this flagship scheme.

Insurance Scheme in the Pipeline

The government is also preparing an insurance scheme for Ladli Behna beneficiaries, under which women will contribute a nominal amount while the rest will be funded by the state. The scheme is expected to cover health-related issues, providing comprehensive protection to women.

Evolution of Financial Aid

The Ladli Behna Yojna aims to economically empower women in the state. It started in March 2023 with a monthly aid of ₹1,000, increased to ₹1,250 in September 2023, and will now rise to ₹1,500 per month, providing greater financial support to the beneficiaries.