From Mahila Samriddhi to Subhadra: How Indian states are supporting women through direct cash transfer schemes

In recent times, a number of Indian states have launched women-centric cash transfer schemes geared toward empowering women and securing their assist in elections. These initiatives present direct monetary help to women, addressing financial challenges and selling monetary inclusion. Here is an summary of some distinguished schemes being carried out by numerous states at current:

1. Mahila Samriddhi Yojana – Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta introduced the launch of the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, a key BJP ballot promise, on March 8, Worldwide Women’s Day. Below the scheme, women from economically weaker sections within the nationwide capital will obtain a month-to-month allowance of ₹2,500. The applying course of for the scheme will start on the identical day. Talking on the Women Energy for Viksit Bharat 2047 occasion, Gupta emphasised the necessity to transfer past symbolism and recognise women’s rising management in governance, finance, and nationwide safety.

2. Subhadra Yojana – Odisha

Launched on September 17, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Subhadra Yojana goals to empower women aged 21 to 60 in Odisha by offering direct monetary help. Eligible beneficiaries obtain ₹10,000 yearly, disbursed in two equal installments of ₹5,000 every on Raksha Bandhan and Worldwide Women’s Day. Over 5 years (2024–2029), every girl will obtain a complete of ₹50,000. The scheme is anticipated to profit over one crore women throughout the state. 

3. Ladli Behna Yojana – Madhya Pradesh

In March 2023, the Madhya Pradesh authorities launched the Ladli Behna Yojana to present monetary assist to women. Below this scheme, eligible women obtain a month-to-month allowance of ₹1,250 instantly into their Aadhaar-linked, DBT-enabled financial institution accounts. The initiative performed a major function within the BJP’s success within the subsequent state meeting elections, serving to the occasion overcome anti-incumbency sentiments and safe a considerable majority.

4. Gruha Lakshmi Yojana – Karnataka

The Gruha Lakshmi Yojana was launched by the Congress authorities in Karnataka in 2023 as a part of its ballot guarantees. This scheme supplies ₹2,000 month-to-month help to the lady head of Beneath Poverty Line (BPL) households, aiming to bridge the gender hole in monetary inclusion and assist homemakers. As of February 2025, the scheme has benefited over 1.33 crore women, with greater than ₹28,608 crore allotted for disbursement within the 2024-25 fiscal 12 months.

5. Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana – Maharashtra

Earlier this 12 months, the Maharashtra authorities launched the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana to assist women aged 21 to 65. Beneficiaries obtain a month-to-month monetary help of ₹1,500, supplied they meet the eligibility standards. As well as to the cash allowance, the scheme provides three free LPG cylinders yearly and extra advantages similar to ability improvement and healthcare schemes.

6. Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme – West Bengal

Launched in 2021 by the West Bengal authorities, the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme supplies monetary help to eligible women aged 25 to 60. Below this scheme, women obtain ₹1,000 month-to-month, whereas women from SC/ST classes obtain ₹1,200. To qualify, women have to be enrolled beneath the ‘Swasthyasathi’ scheme and meet different eligibility standards.

7. Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana – Jharkhand

In August 2024, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, focusing on women aged 21 to 50. The scheme supplies ₹1,000 month-to-month help, disbursed on the fifteenth of each month, aiming to assist women from economically weaker sections.

8. Magalir Urimai Scheme – Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu authorities launched the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam in September 2023 to assist women aged 21 and above. Beneficiaries obtain ₹1,000 monthly, supplied they meet revenue, land possession, and electrical energy consumption standards. The scheme goals to improve monetary independence and covers over 1.06 crore women, with funds instantly transferred to their financial institution accounts.

8. Women-Centric Bulletins in BJP, Congress Manifestos Forward of Haryana Polls

With lower than a month left for the Haryana meeting elections, each the Congress and the BJP have promised direct cash advantages for women voters. The Congress has pledged a month-to-month allowance of ₹2,000 for each girl aged 18 to 60, whereas the BJP has promised ₹2,100 monthly for women within the state.

Fiscal Implications and Debates

Whereas these schemes intention to empower women and promote monetary inclusion, they’ve sparked debates relating to fiscal sustainability. Critics argue that such handouts might pressure state funds and create dependency amongst beneficiaries. India’s Supreme Courtroom has expressed considerations, stating that the apply of providing freebies throughout elections is main to the creation of a “class of parasites” unwilling to work. 

Nevertheless, women-centric cash transfer schemes have change into a major instrument for Indian states aiming to empower women and safe their assist in elections. Whereas these initiatives present instant monetary aid and promote inclusion, it’s important to steadiness them with issues of fiscal duty and long-term financial impacts. Steady evaluation and adaptation are essential to guarantee these applications obtain their meant outcomes with out imposing extreme burdens on state funds.