Madhya Pradesh to Extend Bhavantar Scheme to Mustard Farmers; Congress Walks Out Over Ladli Behna Yojana

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced that the Bhavantar payment scheme will be extended to mustard farmers, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stating that the move is aimed at safeguarding farmers against price fluctuations in the market.

Addressing the State Assembly, Mr. Yadav said the decision was taken in view of concerns raised by mustard growers over falling market prices. Under the Bhavantar scheme, the government compensates farmers for the difference between the minimum support price (MSP) and the lower market rate, ensuring that cultivators receive fair remuneration for their produce.

The Chief Minister said that the extension of the scheme to mustard farmers would provide financial security and encourage oilseed production in the State. He added that agriculture remains a priority sector for the government and that necessary budgetary provisions would be made to implement the decision effectively.

However, the Assembly proceedings witnessed a heated exchange between the treasury benches and the Opposition Congress over the demand to reopen registrations for the Ladli Behna Yojana. Congress members pressed the government to allow fresh applications under the flagship welfare scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible women.

The situation escalated into a verbal confrontation, with Opposition legislators alleging that many deserving beneficiaries had been left out of the scheme. They demanded immediate reopening of the registration process and accused the government of failing to address concerns raised by women across the State.

In response, the government maintained that the scheme is being implemented transparently and that any decision regarding reopening registrations would be taken after due consideration. Amid the uproar, Congress MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly in protest.

The developments reflect the ongoing political contest in Madhya Pradesh over farmer welfare and social assistance programmes, both of which are expected to remain key issues in the State’s political discourse.