A major political confrontation unfolded in the state Assembly after the government confirmed that there is currently no proposal to reopen registrations for the Ladli Behna Yojana, one of Madhya Pradesh’s most high-profile welfare schemes launched in June 2023. The announcement came during the ongoing Budget Session and immediately triggered sharp reactions from Opposition leaders, who accused the government of retreating from its earlier promises on women’s empowerment.
No Fresh Registrations for Ladli Behna Yojana
Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar initiated the debate by questioning why eligible women are not being allowed to apply afresh. He argued that the scheme had been promoted extensively during elections as a major support system for women and asked why deserving beneficiaries were now being excluded. Fellow legislator Satish Sikarwar intensified the criticism, demanding that the registration portal be reopened and alleging discrimination against women above 60 years of age.
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Ladli Behna Yojana Spark Uproar in Madhya Pradesh Assembly
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar also pressed the government for clarity, asking why the promised increase in monthly assistance from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 had not been implemented. The Opposition collectively urged the administration to double the existing assistance immediately and raise social security pensions from ₹600 to ₹1,200.
Responding on behalf of the government, Women and Child Development Minister Nirmala Bhuria said payments to existing beneficiaries are being deposited regularly and insisted that no names have been removed arbitrarily. She clarified that women above 60 are covered under separate pension schemes and stressed that there is currently no proposal either to reopen registrations or to increase payouts.
Social Justice Minister Narayan Singh Kushwaha echoed the fiscal argument, stating that any enhancement in benefits would depend on the state’s financial capacity. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav adopted a political tone, noting that critics had earlier predicted the scheme’s closure, yet it continues uninterrupted. He reiterated that the government remains committed to eventually raising assistance to ₹3,000 by 2028 and said new registrations would be considered at an “appropriate time.”
The exchange has highlighted the growing tension between fiscal constraints and welfare commitments, signaling that the scheme may remain a central political issue in the state’s policy debates and electoral discourse in the coming years.
