- Dr. Daneshwari Sambhakar, Deputy Director, Public Relations
The status of its women is a strong foundation for any state’s progress. When women are empowered economically, socially, and mentally, the process of development not only accelerates but also becomes inclusive. In Chhattisgarh, the “Mahatari Vandan Yojana,” implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, has established itself as a historic initiative towards inclusive development. This scheme also fulfills Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s pledge of “Guarantee,” which reflects a clear commitment to empowering women.
Under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, an amount of ₹1,000 per month is being transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible women in the state. Launched in March 2024, this ambitious scheme has disbursed a total of ₹17,523 crore in 27 installments. This figure represents not only financial assistance but also the state government’s sensitive approach, which is continuously working to strengthen society by empowering women.
The most significant feature of this scheme is that it doesn’t just provide assistance, but also inspires women to become self-reliant. Inspiring stories emerging from various regions of the state attest to the fact that, given the right direction and opportunities, women can transform their lives.
Mrs. Hema Singh of Majhgwan village in the Marwahi development block of the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district is a prime example. Instead of spending the funds she received from the scheme, she used them as a means of saving and investing. Gradually, she started a small grocery store, which has now become a stable source of income for her family. Her journey shows that even small efforts can become the foundation for big change.
Similarly, Mrs. Kariyo, a member of the Pahari Korwa community, a particularly backward tribe in Ramnagar village of Ambikapur development block, has taken significant steps towards self-reliance by starting goat rearing with the funds from the scheme. Today, she owns several goats, and this activity has become a strong source of livelihood for her family. The positive change in her standard of living clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of this scheme.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Gauri Rajput of Jhafal village in the Lormi development block of Mungeli district is using the funds received from this scheme for her education. For her, this scheme has become not just financial support but a means to realize her dreams.
These examples clearly demonstrate that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana has not only provided women with financial assistance, but also empowered them with decision-making, confidence, and the opportunity to move forward with self-respect. Women are now using this funding for self-employment, education, animal husbandry, and family needs, sparking a new wave of positive change in society.
The core of the “guarantee” given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to empower and empower every woman in the country. The Mahtari Vandan Yojana in Chhattisgarh is a powerful implementation of this guarantee, representing an excellent example of the coordinated efforts of the central and state governments.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has considered women’s empowerment a fundamental foundation for the state’s development, while Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade has played a key role in effectively implementing this scheme and making it accessible to the masses.
Today, the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become a strong foundation for women’s empowerment in Chhattisgarh. This scheme not only empowers women financially but also provides them with a respectable position in society and the opportunity to move forward with confidence.
Undoubtedly, the “Mahatari Vandan Yojana,” with the guarantee of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the commitment of the state government, has brought a new dawn to the lives of women in Chhattisgarh. This initiative will prove to be a strong foundation for the state’s holistic, balanced, and inclusive development in the future.