Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav visited Tikrwara village in Mandla district to release the 23rd installment of the Ladli Behna Yojana. During the state-level event, he announced Rs 232 crore worth of development works to reshape the future of Mandla.
In his address, he emphasized the government’s continued support for women, calling them central to the state’s vision for inclusive growth. He urged people to move away from regressive traditions like dowry and ritualistic feasts after death (mrityu bhoj).
What Is Ladli Behna Yojana?
The Ladli Behna Yojana is a financial support scheme for women, aimed at improving their economic status and dignity. The initiative has 1.27 crore women beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh, and continues to grow with each installment.
Key Highlights from the Mandla Event
✅ Direct Benefit Transfers Worth Over Rs 2,500 Crore
CM Dr. Yadav transferred over Rs 2,500 crore in benefits through single-click payments to beneficiaries across several schemes:
- Rs 1,552.38 crore to 1.27 crore women under Ladli Behna Yojana
- Rs 340 crore to 56.68 lakh social security pensioners
- Rs 57 crore for LPG refills at subsidized rates under PM Ujjwala Yojana for 25 lakh eligible women
✅ Rs 232 Crore Development Package for Mandla
Dr. Yadav announced and launched 66 development projects for Mandla, valued at Rs 232 crore, including:
- New bridge on Surkhi-Indri Road worth Rs 16.61 crore
- Inauguration and naming of a newly built bridge over Banjhar River as Shaheed Shankar Shah Raghunath Shah Setu
These projects aim to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in rural and tribal areas.
Recognition for Women and Sports Achievements
During the event, CM Yadav:
- Honored Suchi Upadhyay, a Mandla-based cricketer recently selected for the Indian women’s cricket team
- Praised women’s participation in politics and public welfare
- Reiterated support for 33% reservation for women in future Lok Sabha and Assembly elections
- Highlighted the state’s existing 50% reservation for women in local body elections
Support for Newlywed Couples
CM Yadav also attended a mass marriage event under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah/Nikah Scheme, where over 1,100 newlywed couples were blessed with Rs 49,000 each in financial assistance and gifts.
Vision for Vrindavan Villages
Dr. Yadav announced the creation of one “Vrindavan village” per block, aiming to transform rural life with improved facilities and spiritual-cultural values.
He paid tribute to River Narmada and Rani Durgavati, underlining their historical and cultural significance in the Mahakaushal region.
Solar Pumps and Sustainable Agriculture for Farmers
To empower farmers:
- The government will distribute solar pumps for farmers with 5 to 10 HP power range
- Surplus electricity from farmers will be bought by the power department
- A new scheme under cooperative development will support dairy and cattle farmers, including:
- 25% subsidy for those rearing 25 cows or buffaloes
- Increased grant for government-run gaushalas from Rs 20 to Rs 40 per animal
- Promotion of “Gokul in every home” model for rural livestock support
Strengthening Irrigation Infrastructure
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has allocated Rs 1 lakh crore for irrigation improvements in Bundelkhand. Dr. Yadav highlighted the significance of Ken-Betwa, Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal river-linking projects that will benefit multiple districts in Madhya Pradesh.