EMPHASISING that the dignity and economic empowerment of women remain top administrative priorities, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav transferred Rs 2,148 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 1.25 crore beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Ladli Bahna Yojana. Speaking at the State-Level Ladli Bahna Sammelan in Maihar on Wednesday, the Chief Minister disbursed the 39th installment of the scheme along with a special Raksha Bandhan shagun of Rs 250, bringing the total monthly assistance to Rs 1,750 per beneficiary. Since its launch in June 2023, the State has distributed Rs 63,248 crore through 39 installments under the scheme. Addressing the gathering, Dr Yadav announced that the State Cabinet has approved the continuation of financial assistance under the scheme for the next five years, allocating over Rs 1.14 lakh crore to support women’s economic independence. Describing women as the pillars of family and society, he noted that the financial aid directly helps households cover daily expenses. Furthermore, he highlighted that women working in employment-oriented industries will receive an additional Rs 5,000 in their monthly wages to further strengthen their financial autonomy.

 

During his visit, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the Maa Sharda Bhawani Temple and laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the Maa Sharda Lok project, valued at Rs 9 crore. Dr Yadav inaugurated and performed bhoomipujan for 25 development projects totaling more than Rs 256 crore across Maihar district. Key projects inaugurated included the Sandipani School in Maihar (Rs 48.24 crore), the Dhanwahi Micro Irrigation Project (Rs 54 crore) - set to cover 3,500 hectares of farmland - and a Sandipani School in Ramnagar (Rs 41 crore). Outlining future infrastructure plans for Maihar district, Dr Yadav announced several new civic and social initiatives. These include a Rs 25 crore modern stadium, a 132 kV substation at Badera Pahad, the renovation of the Lilji Reservoir at a cost of Rs 50 crore, a fully equipped hospital, and a gaushala designed to house 5,000 cattle. He added that under the Krishak Kalyan Varsh initiative, the government is expanding irrigation capacity and power supply for farmers across the Vindhya region.