MP High Court Seeks Government Response on Plea to Stop Ladli Behna Scheme Over 1,500 Monthly Payout

High Court seeks closure of Ladli Behna scheme over its financial cost; notice issued to government A petition filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday has called for the immediate termination of the Ladli Behna scheme, a state‑run initiative that provides a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 to pregnant women and mothers of newborns. The petitioners argue that the scheme’s financial outlay is unsustainable and that there is no robust evidence that the modest amount is making a measurable difference to women’s long‑term economic empowerment. The court has issued a notice to the state government, asking it to respond to the concerns raised and to justify the continued expenditure on the programme..

The Ladli Behna scheme, launched in 2012, was intended to improve maternal and child health outcomes while also encouraging families to invest in the education of girl children. Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries receive a cash transfer of ₹1,500 each month for the first two years after the birth of a child, with the amount increasing to ₹2,000 after the child turns two. The scheme is funded through the state’s budget and has been praised in some quarters as a progressive step toward gender equity..

However, critics contend that the stipend is insufficient to meet the basic needs of a household. Sudha Dubey, a senior researcher at the Centre for Social Policy Studies, testified before the court that “₹1,500 is not enough to run a household, and there is no study to show that it is helping women create long‑term financial opportunities.” Dubey’s remarks echo a growing body of academic literature questioning the efficacy of cash‑transfer programmes that are not paired with complementary services such as skill training or childcare support. The petitioners also point to the scheme’s cumulative cost, which they estimate at over ₹2,300 crore annually, a figure that they say strains the state’s fiscal resources..

Madhya Pradesh, like many Indian states, is grappling with revenue shortfalls exacerbated by a sluggish post‑pandemic recovery. The petition argues that the funds could be redirected to more impactful interventions, such as improving primary healthcare infrastructure or expanding scholarships for higher education. In its defence, the state government’s legal team highlighted the scheme’s reach, noting that more than 5.5 million women have benefited since its inception..

The government maintains that the Ladli Behna programme has contributed to a measurable decline in infant mortality rates and has helped increase school enrolment for girls in rural districts. Officials also cited internal monitoring reports that suggest a modest rise in household savings among participants. Nonetheless, the court’s notice has raised questions about the transparency of those monitoring reports..

The petition demands that the government disclose the methodology of its evaluations and submit independent audit findings. Without such data, the petitioners argue, it is impossible to assess whether the scheme delivers value for money or merely serves as a symbolic gesture. Legal scholars note that the case could set a precedent for other states that run similar cash‑transfer schemes..

“If the High Court finds the Ladli Behna programme financially untenable, it could trigger a wave of judicial scrutiny across the country,” said Professor Anil Sharma of the Indian Institute of Law. “Many states rely on such schemes to meet political promises, but they often lack rigorous cost‑benefit analysis.” The debate also reflects broader tensions in India’s social welfare policies, where cash assistance is often pitted against more structural reforms. Advocates of universal basic income argue that small, targeted cash transfers like Ladli Behna fail to address systemic poverty and instead create a patchwork of benefits that are difficult to coordinate..

Opponents counter that any direct cash flow to vulnerable households can have immediate positive effects, especially in emergencies. Meanwhile, women’s rights groups have expressed disappointment at the prospect of the scheme’s closure. “The Ladli Behna programme, despite its limitations, has given a sense of security to mothers in the most remote villages,” said Meera Joshi, a representative of the Mahila Shakti Forum..

“Removing it without a viable alternative would be a step backward for gender‑focused welfare.” The forum is urging the state to consider a revised model that couples cash transfers with skill development and health education. The state government has indicated that it will submit a detailed response within the statutory period, outlining the scheme’s impact assessments and financial projections. Sources close to the administration suggest that officials are preparing a proposal to restructure Ladli Behna, potentially increasing the monthly amount and integrating it with existing health schemes such as the Mother and Child Protection Programme..

Observers will be watching closely as the High Court deliberates on the petition, which could reshape the architecture of welfare delivery in Madhya Pradesh. The outcome may also influence how other Indian states design cash‑transfer initiatives, balancing fiscal responsibility with the goal of uplifting women and children. Regardless of the verdict, the case underscores the need for robust data collection and transparent evaluation of social programmes..

As policymakers grapple with limited resources, the demand for evidence‑based interventions becomes ever more pressing. The Ladli Behna debate may well catalyse a broader conversation about the most effective ways to empower women and improve child health outcomes across India..