MP transfers Rs 1,831 cr to 'Ladli Behna', unveils Pichhore projects

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday transferred over Rs 1,831.77 crore to the bank accounts of 1.24 crore women beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana, releasing the 42nd instalment of the scheme during a state-level Mahila Sammelan in Pichhore, Shivpuri district, according to agency reports. Each of the 1,24,81,550 eligible beneficiaries received Rs 1,500 as monthly financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Addressing the gathering, Yadav said the state government was committed to making women financially independent and self-reliant, adding that their economic empowerment would contribute to the overall prosperity of Madhya Pradesh. He said nearly Rs 60,000 crore had been distributed under the Ladli Behna scheme so far and highlighted how beneficiaries were using the assistance to support their families and establish small businesses.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who attended the programme, praised the government's welfare initiatives, saying the Ladli Behna scheme was helping women achieve financial independence and strengthening their role in families and society. Criticising the Congress over its approach to welfare spending, Scindia said the BJP government believed that public funds belonged to women, farmers, youth and the poor. He also highlighted the role of Direct Benefit Transfer in eliminating middlemen and ensuring that financial assistance reached intended beneficiaries. The Union Minister added that the Centre and the state government were working together to extend development and welfare programmes to all sections of society.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also transferred more than Rs 200 crore as cash credit limit assistance to over 5.5 lakh women's self-help groups (SHGs) under the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment.Yadav also dedicated and performed Bhoomi Poojan for 121 development projects worth Rs 221.22 crore in Shivpuri district. These included 36 completed works worth Rs 35 crore and the foundation stone laying of 85 projects worth Rs 186.23 crore.
Announcing several development initiatives for the region, Yadav said Pichhore would be granted district status following the recommendation of the Delimitation Commission. He also announced the establishment of a Sandipani School and a college in Bamorkalan, a modern sports complex, a police outpost at Redi Chauraha in Khaniyadhana, and a bridge over Kasna Nala. Additionally, Rs 5 crore was announced for the development of the historic Pichhore Fort, along with financial assistance for the beautification of Moti Sagar Lake.
Highlighting employment opportunities for women, Yadav said the government was encouraging industries to recruit more women by providing employers an additional incentive of Rs 5,000 per month for each woman employed in eligible industries. He also said Shivpuri had recently been included in a Defence Industrial Corridor project worth Rs 6,000 crore, while investment proposals exceeding Rs 12.50 lakh crore had translated into on-ground investments across the state. Gwalior is also set to get the country's first modern Telecom Manufacturing Zone through joint efforts of the Centre and the state government.
On agriculture and rural development, the Chief Minister said irrigation facilities had expanded to 60 lakh hectares, while the government was promoting animal husbandry to increase farmers' and livestock rearers' incomes. Madhya Pradesh currently ranks third in the country in milk production and aims to become the leading milk producer within the next two years.Yadav further highlighted the government's efforts to promote religious tourism and preserve cultural heritage, citing development projects worth Rs 2,500 crore at Omkareshwar and Rs 1,000 crore in Orchha, besides preparations for Simhastha in Ujjain and development works at Datia, Pitambara Peeth and Salkanpur.