To court women voters, political parties across states unveiled women-centric schemes offering direct cash transfers of Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month. The combined expenditure of these initiatives in eight states amounts to nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore, accounting for 3–11% of their respective revenue receipts.
Key schemes and allocations
Gruha Lakshmi (Karnataka):
Karnataka leads with the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, allocating Rs 28,608 crore, which accounts for 11% of the state’s revenue receipts of Rs 2,63,178 crore. The scheme provides Rs 2,000 per month to the female head of the family, offering a safety net for household expenses.
Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana (Madhya Pradesh):
Madhya Pradesh has earmarked Rs 18,984 crore (7% of revenue receipts of Rs 2,63,344 crore) to promote self-reliance among women by providing Rs 1,250 monthly to eligible beneficiaries.
Mukhya Mantri Mazhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (Maharashtra):
Maharashtra has allocated Rs 46,000 crore (9% of revenue receipts of Rs 4,99,463 crore) to support women aged 21–60 years with Rs 1,500 per month under this scheme.
Namo Shri Scheme (Gujarat):
Pregnant women from specified categories, including SC, ST, and BPL groups, are provided one-time financial assistance of Rs 12,000. Gujarat has allocated Rs 12,000 crore, constituting 5% of its revenue receipts of Rs 2,29,653 crore.
Lakshmir Bhandar (West Bengal):
West Bengal is offering a one-time grant of Rs 1,000 to women from economically weaker sections, with an allocation of Rs 14,400 crore, representing 6% of its revenue receipts of Rs 2,36,251 crore.
Subhadra Yojana (Odisha):
Odisha has introduced a provision of Rs 50,000 over five years for eligible women aged 21–60 years. The scheme’s allocation stands at Rs 10,000 crore, which is 4% of the state’s revenue receipts of Rs 2,11,000 crore.
Some states have the capacity to pay for such schemes, for instance Odisha has higher non-tax revenue thus no borrowing.
“However, at a broader level, the welfare expenditure should be looked at vis-à-vis their respective fiscal situation and borrowing pattern,” said an SBI Research report.
