A major dropout trend has emerged in Madhya Pradesh’s flagship Ladli Laxmi Yojana, launched by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in 2007 to improve the sex ratio and support girls’ education. Government data shows that nearly 52% of registered beneficiaries discontinue their education after passing Class 5, significantly reducing the number of girls eligible to receive the scheme’s full financial benefit. The scheme was introduced with the aim of turning daughters into “Lakhpatis” by providing financial assistance at different stages of education and a maturity amount after completing studies. Only 20% girls likely to receive full ₹1 lakh benefit According to official figures, complicated eligibility conditions and high dropout rates mean that only about 20% of registered beneficiaries may eventually receive the full financial benefit of over ₹1 lakh provided under the scheme. Girls become eligible for the final payout only after completing higher education and reaching 21 years of age, provided they meet all scheme conditions. Sharp drop From primary to secondary education Data presented during the state budget session by the Women and Child Development Department shows a steep decline in the number of beneficiaries as they progress through higher classes. The figures indicate that nearly half of the beneficiaries drop out before reaching high school, while very few continue to higher education. Falling admissions since 2021 Department data also highlights a consistent decline in the number of girls entering Class 6, a key stage for receiving scholarship benefits under the scheme. Officials say the primary reason behind the decline is eligibility requirements, as only those girls who pass Class 5 and meet other criteria are eligible for benefits. Government spending and current status Responding during the assembly session, Women and Child Development Minister Nirmala Bhuria said that ₹813.20 crore in scholarships has been distributed under the scheme since its launch. The department is currently compiling data on beneficiaries who registered but did not receive any scholarship benefits. How financial assistance is given under the scheme Under the Ladli Laxmi scheme, each registered girl is issued a financial assurance certificate of ₹1.43 lakh. The government also covers the cost of graduation. Financial support is provided in stages: Higher education (graduation/PG or 2-year vocational course): ₹25,000 incentive in two installments The final maturity amount of ₹1 lakh is paid when the beneficiary turns 21 years old, appears for the Class 12 examination, and marries at the legally prescribed age. Post navigation Youth stops CM Yadav’s convoy in Indore:Demands justice for mother, alleges she died due to ‘dangerous injection’
