Special Article : Mahtari Vandan Yojana brings joy and independence to women in Chhattisgarh

Kamaljyoti-Assistant Director

Mahtari Vandan Yojana is proving to be a boon for women across the state, bringing hope to helpless and destitute women in need of financial assistance and promoting their economic empowerment, making them self-reliant. The scheme is not just a financial aid programme but a lifeline for many women in Chhattisgarh, empowering them to meet their family’s needs independently. In just four months, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai’s government has brought a wave of joy not only among the women of Chhattisgarh but also in their families, visibly improving their quality of life.

The first installment of Rs 1,000 was transferred to women’s accounts on March 10 this year. More than 70.12 lakh women in the state are benefiting from the scheme. Every month for the past four months, the Chief Minister has transferred the amount directly to women’s bank accounts through an online medium in the first week of each month. This prompt transfer, activated with a press of a button by the Chief Minister himself, has become synonymous with happiness for lakhs of women across the state. No longer dependent on others for their daily needs, women are using this money not only for themselves but also contributing to their family expenses. They eagerly await this monthly financial support.

One such beneficiary, Smt. Meera Bai, whose husband is physically challenged, manages household expenses by working as a labourer. With three children attending school, she uses the scheme amount as soon as the school term starts to meet their needs and household expenses. She expressed, “I have responsibilities towards my home, and the Rs 1,000 I receive every month is a significant contribution. With this amount, I can fulfill the needs of my children and husband.”

Smt. Savita Bai, whose husband works in the village fields, shared her happiness with the scheme, stating, “As soon as I hear about Mahtari Vandan Yojana, it brings a smile to my face. For us village women, Rs 1,000 is generous. Traditionally, women would save small amounts like two, four, or five rupees, gradually accumulating to a hundred or two hundred rupees. Now, receiving Rs 1,000 through the scheme has become a lifeline during challenging times. I use it for my children’s needs and no longer have to ask my husband for small amounts.”

Smt. Budhwar Bai, living in a forested area, visited the Haat Bazar of Rathia village with her grandson Ashish. Using the Mahtari Vandan Yojana amount, she bought sweets for her grandchildren and purchased slippers for Ashish so he wouldn’t have to walk barefoot in the rain. Reflecting on her gratitude, she said, “I only have my son and grandchildren. It brings me immense happiness in my old age that I can fulfill some of their needs. This has only been possible because of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and his government, who have brought sweetness to our challenging lives.”