- Monthly assistance has become a source of dignity, self-respect, and self-employment, bringing positive change to women’s lives from forest areas to villages.
The Mahatari Vandan Yojana, implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, is writing a new chapter in women’s empowerment in Chhattisgarh. The monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 is no longer just a support for household expenses, but has become a strong foundation for women’s self-confidence, respect, economic independence, and self-employment. Through this scheme, millions of women in the forest, rural, and remote areas of the state are becoming self-reliant and playing a vital role in strengthening their families’ finances.
Since the scheme’s inception, more than Rs. 18,805 crore has been transferred directly to women’s bank accounts through 29 installments. Giving top priority to women’s economic empowerment, the state government has allocated Rs. 8,200 crore for the scheme in the budget for the financial year 2026-27.
Mrs. Mahri Usendi, a resident of the remote village of Maspur in Narayanpur district, explains that there was a time when limited income made it difficult to manage household expenses. She had to depend on others for even small needs. The monthly assistance from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has given her new hope. She now supports her children’s education, groceries, and household needs. According to her, the scheme has not only provided financial support but also given her respect and self-confidence.
Similarly, Mrs. Keju Bai Salame of Ramgarh village in the Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki district has turned this assistance into a driving force for her self-employment. Keju Bai, a member of the Bihan Roshni Self-Help Group, purchases essential items for her grocery shop every month. This has boosted her shop’s sales and steadily increased her income. Today, she is on her way to becoming a “Lakhpati Didi” and is inspiring other women to become self-reliant.
Mrs. Santoshi of Bhallaur village in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district has received 29,000 rupees in assistance under the scheme so far. She uses this amount to purchase groceries, vegetables, and other household needs. They say that they no longer have to depend on anyone for even small needs. This has increased their self-confidence and strengthened their participation in the family.
The Mahatari Vandan Yojana has emerged as a powerful means of economic security, respect, and self-reliance for women across the state. With regular financial assistance, women are not only supporting their families’ needs but are also moving forward towards small businesses, savings, and self-employment. This scheme has become an effective model of inclusive development in Chhattisgarh by linking women’s empowerment with social and economic development.
