Election-bound states ramp up welfare cash for women

States are boosting cash handouts for women voters as elections approach. West Bengal's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme sees a ₹500 monthly hike. Kerala earmarks ₹3,720 crore for its Sthree Suraksha Scheme. Bihar adds ₹3,000 annually to PM-Kisan for women entrepreneurs. Punjab plans ₹1,000 monthly for women. These moves signal a trend of pre-poll financial promises.