The Ladli Behna Yojana (LBY) in Madhya Pradesh is a flagship welfare scheme that provides monthly financial assistance to women aged 21–60, aiming to enhance their social and economic well-being. While such welfare measures offer short-term relief and promote women’s empowerment, they also raise concerns about fiscal sustainability and economic dependency. This study investigates the economic implications of freebies in Madhya Pradesh through a focused analysis of LBY. Using content analysis of news articles, reports, and editorials from Dainik Bhaskar and Free Press Journal, the research explores how the scheme is framed in the media and what economic effects are emphasized. The findings reveal contrasting narratives: Dainik Bhaskar highlights the scheme’s role in increasing household consumption, financial inclusion, and economic challenges like increasing debt and interest while Free Press Journal underscores the heavy fiscal burden along with risks such as borrowing pressures, reduced infrastructure investment, and beneficiary dependency. The study concludes that while LBY contributes positively to social equity for a short term, it creates long-term fiscal challenges that may affect sustainable development
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