In a significant move to empower women and promote gender equality, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced the launch of Ladli Behna Abhiyan 2.0 on July 10, 2023, in Indore. Under this new phase of the scheme, married women aged between 21 and 23 years and those aged between 21 and 30 years, who are tractor owners, have been deemed eligible. This expansion now includes previously ineligible women who were left out of the program. The application process for Ladli Behna 2.0 commenced on July 25, and eligible women can apply until August 20.
The district administration of Indore has made all necessary preparations for the application process, with urban areas accepting applications at the ward level in larger wards and at zone offices in smaller wards. In the rural regions, applications will be collected at all 314 gram panchayats. The Ladli Behna Abhiyan 2.0 aims to benefit approximately 35,000 new beneficiaries in the Indore district during its second phase. In the first phase of the scheme, 139,223 eligible beneficiaries were registered.
Notably, the total number of eligible women beneficiaries across the state is expected to exceed one crore. With around 2.6 crore women voters in the state, the scheme aims to provide cash benefits to more than half of them, making a significant impact on women’s economic empowerment. Ramnivas Budhauila, the District Program Officer of the Women and Child Development Department, shed light on the application process, stating that the registration for eligible women between the specified age groups would commence on July 25. Additionally, women who failed to apply or whose applications were rejected during the previous phase now have the opportunity to apply again.
Ladli Behna Abhiyan has been lauded for its efforts to uplift women’s socio-economic status, encouraging them to take advantage of the scheme’s benefits. With the introduction of Ladli Behna 2.0, the state government reaffirms its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of women, paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive society. As the application window remains open until August 20, authorities are optimistic about an overwhelming response from eligible women seeking to participate in the transformative program. This initiative is set to revolutionize the lives of women across Madhya Pradesh, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.