Ladli Behna Yojana: Women's Empowerment Program

Ladli Behna Yojana (मुख्यमंत्री लाड़ली बहना योजना) is a flagship welfare scheme launched by the Madhya Pradesh government in 2023 to uplift women through direct financial assistance. The announcement was made by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on January 28, 2023, and officially rolled out on March 5, 2023; the scheme provides eligible women ₹1,000 per month (later increased to ₹1,250) directly into their bank accounts.

This initiative offers monthly financial aid to the women. The aim is to make them more independent and improve their quality of life. Subsequently, this aid (which is also perceived as empowerment) reduces the financial burdens and makes them better decision-makers. This scheme underlines the Madhya Pradesh government's commitment to a "सशक्त महिला, सशक्त परिवार" (empowered women, empowered families) vision.

Objectives and goals

The government has recognized that economic independence is the foundation of real empowerment. Instead of waiting for women to 'qualify' for aid through skills or jobs, this scheme gives money directly into their hands. Now, read below and understand how crystal clear these objectives are— 

• To help women stand on their own feet: Malnutrition is a serious issue for women in Madhya Pradesh. 23% of women have low BMI, and 54.7% suffer from anemia (NFHS-5, 2020-21). Poor health limits their ability to work, care for their families, and make independent choices.

This scheme indirectly ensures that women can buy milk, fruits, and protein-rich food for their families. It also helps them afford better medical care when needed.

• To give women their own money: When women have their own money, they can buy what they need, save for emergencies, and support their families without asking someone else for help. This scheme ensures they don't feel helpless due to a lack of money.
• To let women have a say at home: When women contribute financially, they get more respect in family decisions—whether it's about their children's education, home expenses, or future plans. This scheme helps them have a stronger voice at home.

Benefits under Ladli Behna Yojana

• Eligible women get ₹1,250 every month directly in their bank accounts.
• The government sends money using Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which keeps things clear and fair.
• The money provided to women under this scheme helps them gain financial independence and improves their living conditions.

Eligibility criteria

• Must be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh.
• Must be married (including widows, divorced women, and abandoned women).
• Age should be between 21 and 60 years.
• The family's annual income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
• No family member should be an income taxpayer.

How to Apply for Ladli Behna Yojana?

Applying for the Ladli Behna Yojana was designed to be an accessible process, with the government setting up local camps to reach women in every village and ward. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to the Ladli Behna Yojana application online/offline process, as well as how to use the Ladli Behna Yojana login for status check:

1. Obtain a Samagra ID: Before applying, an applicant needs to have a Samagra Family ID and Member ID (Samagra is Madhya Pradesh's citizen database). If you don't have one, you must register on the Samagra portal to get your unique family and member IDs. This is a prerequisite; only after obtaining Samagra IDs can a woman enroll in Ladli Behna Yojana.

2. Fill out the application form: The application was primarily an offline form available for free at designated locations. Women could get the Ladli Behna Yojana application form from the local Gram Panchayat office, ward office, or special camp sites organized in villages. The form requires personal details, such as the husband's or family's details, Aadhaar number, bank account info, etc. (Documents like Aadhaar, birth certificate, and bank passbook are needed for verification).

3. Submit application at camp/office: The filled form must be submitted at the camp or office. Government staff would verify the details (including checking eligibility such as age 23-60, marital status, and income criteria) and then enter the application into the Ladli Behna Yojana portal. During form entry, the woman's photograph and documents were uploaded to the portal. Upon successful submission, the applicant received an application number or reference ID.

4. Verification and approval: The applications were scrutinized by officials, and lists of eligible beneficiaries were prepared (an initial list and a final list were often published at the Panchayat level for transparency). Once approved, the beneficiary's bank account is linked for the DBT transfers.

5. Ladli Behna Yojana login for status: After applying, beneficiaries can use the online portal to check their application and payment status. 

To do this, visit the official Ladli Behna Yojana website (cmladlibahna.mp.gov.in) and click on "आवेदन एवं भुगतान की स्थिति" (Application & Payment Status). 

This will prompt the Ladli Behna Yojana login page, where the woman (or family member helping her) needs to enter either her application number or Samagra ID and then verify via an OTP sent to her registered mobile number. 

Upon successful OTP verification, the portal displays the status of the application—whether it's approved, pending, or rejected, and details of payments credited each month. This online facility has made it convenient for women or their family members to track the scheme benefits without needing to visit government offices.

6. Assistance and helpline: For any difficulties in the login or application process, the state provided a helpline (0755-2700800) and help desks. Additionally, local Anganwadi and Panchayat officers were assigned to assist illiterate or non-tech-savvy women in filling out forms and checking their status. The government ensured no application fees were charged and warned applicants not to fall prey to middlemen—all enrollments were done free of cost at official camps. 

Latest Updates and Announcements

Ladli Behna Yojana's monthly aid increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,250, aiming eventually at ₹3,000 per month. By Jan 2025, about 1.27 crore women received this benefit, with total payments surpassing ₹19,000 crore. A new initiative, Ladli Behna Awas Yojana, now offers permanent houses to 4.75 lakh beneficiaries living in temporary shelters.

Now, the current chief minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, has taken responsibility for expanding this scheme.

This scheme provides money to help families with their daughter's education and marriage expenses. It reduces financial stress for families who find it hard to manage daily costs. By supporting girls in this way, the program is changing how people value their daughters. If your family qualifies, do apply—helping girls today creates a better future for everyone.