The Ladli Behna Scheme, an initiative driven by the Indian government is based on the belief that empowering women leads to societal empowerment. A recent SBI report endeavors to understand the significant impact created by the scheme on the lives of numerous females.
Various governments across the globe have launched schemes and programs aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality in different spheres of life. The Ladli Behna Scheme, a groundbreaking program designed to support women's and girls' holistic development, is one of these remarkable initiatives driven by the Indian government.
The Ladli Behna Scheme, an initiative of the Indian government, is evidence of the government's dedication to resolving gender inequality and advancing the welfare of its female citizens. Through prioritizing education, healthcare, and financial inclusion, the program aims to eradicate inequality and create a more promising and equitable future.
SBI report Highlights Scheme’s Impact
According to a report by the State Bank of India, the Ladli Behna scheme might see an increase in its monthly installment, soaring to Rs 3,000. The scheme has been designed to support the financial empowerment and self-reliance of women across Madhya Pradesh. Initially, it provided Rs 1,000 per month to eligible beneficiaries, which was later increased to Rs 2,000. The scheme has been successful in empowering women in terms of consumption boost at the bottom of the pyramid across myriad pillars.
The Madhya Pradesh government launched the Ladli Behna Yojana, a program designed to give women and their dependent children financial support for their well-being, nutrition, and ability to support themselves financially. The program was introduced on January 28, 2023 and is available to all the female residents of Madhya Pradesh.
The Economic Department of SBI's Special Research Report indicates that 94 per cent of Ladli Behna Scheme beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh are aged 25 and above, with 60 per cent falling in the 35-and-above age group whereas the 25-35 age group is 36 per cent.
The report mentions that the scheme's impact is expanding outside of Madhya Pradesh. Nearly 1 per cent of the Ladli Behna recipients spend their allowances outside of the state, making them ambassadors for Ladli in states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Ladli ambassadors are now residing in various states, including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, contributing to their growth.
Ladli Behna Scheme catalyzes Electoral Outcomes
The study also reveals that Ladli Behna recipients, particularly those with Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts, show significant spending patterns, with an average increase of Rs 9,302 at merchant outlets. It shows a correlation between Ladli Behna's success and electoral outcomes, with a 0.36 per cent increase in the incumbent party success rate for a 1 per cent increase in recipients.
In comparison with female voter turnout in 2018, a district's additional female voter turnout in 2023 increased by 0.04 per cent as a result of a 1 per cent increase in marginalized women's empowerment through Ladli Behna. In contrast, the report estimates that the Ladli Behna scheme is primarily responsible for about 70 per cent (or 3.67 lakh) of the additional female voters (or 5.25 lakh) who cast votes in the 2023 elections.
The Ladli Behna scheme has helped increase female voter turnout, which has supported the success of candidates in constituencies with less than 10,000 margin votes, such as Shajapur, Mandhata, Gunnaor, Sohagpur, Surkhi, Jawad, Gurh, Gwalior South, Sewda, Lanji, Karera, Dhauhani, Alirajpur, Teonthar, Mungaoli, Badwah, Shahpura, Petlawad, Rajnagar, Maheshwar, Chhatarpur, Mauganj, Ashta, and Sablagadh.
The Ladli Behna Scheme has so far benefitted 30 per cent of Madhya Pradesh's female population or about 1.25 crore eligible women. According to the report, the government has allocated a significant sum of Rs 2,418 crore, with the hope of increasing outreach and having a positive impact.
The proposed increase in the Ladli Behna Yojana to a monthly installment of Rs 3,000 is expected to significantly impact the lives of women in Madhya Pradesh, signifying gender inclusivity and financial empowerment.
