- Vishnu Bhaiya’s gift arrived before Rakhi, bringing smiles to women’s faces
The festival of Rakshabandhan symbolizes the unwavering love, trust, and promise of protection between a brother and sister. Just before this sacred festival, Vishnu Bhaiya’s Chhattisgarh government’s “Mahtari Vandan Yojana” has added a new sense of self-respect and economic independence to the lives of thousands of women in the district. The funds transferred directly to their bank accounts under the scheme are not just financial assistance for the sisters, but have also become a powerful means for women to celebrate the festival on their own.
- Now, there’s no need to beg
For Manju Yadav, a resident of Mujgahan in Dhamtari district, Shivani Sahu of Dhamtari, and Meenakshi Nirmalkar of Potiyadih, this scheme has become a source of self-respect. With a beaming joy on her face, Manju Yadav of Mujgahan says, “This time, with the money sent by Vishnu Bhaiya, I will buy myself a new saree for Rakshabandhan.” The funds from the Mahatari Vandan Yojana mean she doesn’t have to depend on others for even the smallest of needs. Shivani Sahu of Dhamtari shares her experience, saying that previously, she had to seek help from others even to buy sweets or small items for her children during festivals. Now, with this amount, she is buying sweets and essential items for her children herself. Similarly, for Meenakshi Nirmalkar of Potiyadih, this festival has become even more special. She says, “This time, I will buy Rakhi, sweets, and gifts for my brothers with my own money. This amount received just before the festival is no less than a precious gift from a brother.”
- Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister,
the beneficiary women expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, calling him their “elder brother.” The women say that this regular monthly financial assistance has not only boosted their self-confidence, but they also feel more capable of meeting their family’s needs. A
- new era of women’s empowerment
The Mahatari Vandan Yojana is proving to be a milestone in the direction of women’s empowerment in the state. With regular financial support, women in rural and urban areas are able to meet their personal needs, children’s education, household expenses, and festival preparations without any financial constraints. This amount, received on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, has become a true gift of self-reliance, self-respect, and economic security for the women of the state.
