Prime Minister Modi Launches Mahatari Vandana Yojana, Empowering Women in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh: In a move towards women empowerment and the holistic well-being of families in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Mahatari Vandana Yojana today, disbursing the first installment under the scheme. This initiative, designed to provide financial assistance of Rs 1000 per month to eligible married women of the state through monthly Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), aims to promote economic empowerment, financial security, and gender equality while strengthening the decisive role of women within families.

The Mahatari Vandana Yojana extends its benefits to all eligible married women in the state who are above 21 years of age as of January 1, 2024, including widows, divorced, and deserted women. Approximately 70 lakh women are expected to benefit from this scheme.

Expressing gratitude towards the Nari Shakti (women power) connected from various locations, Prime Minister Modi apologized for not being physically present and conveyed prayers for the welfare of citizens offered at Kashi Vishwanath Dham the previous night. He assured the recipients that they would receive Rs 1000 every month, emphasizing, “This is Modi’s guarantee.”

During the event, Prime Minister Modi paid homage to the deities Maa Danteshwari, Maa Bambleshwari, and Maa Mahamaya, recalling his recent visit to the state where he dedicated and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 35,000 crores. He highlighted the government’s commitment by disbursing the first installment of the Mahatari Vandana Yojana, amounting to a total of Rs 655 crores.

The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to the welfare of mothers and daughters, citing various schemes and initiatives focused on empowering women. These include the distribution of pucca houses, Ujjwala Gas Cylinders, Jan Dhan Accounts, Mudra Loans, and benefits for Self-Help Group (SHG) women. He emphasized the goal of creating 3 crore “Lakhpati Didis” and praised the transformative impact of the Namo Didi program.

Addressing the challenges faced by pregnant women, Prime Minister Modi announced free vaccinations for pregnant women and financial assistance of Rs 5,000 during pregnancy. Additionally, he highlighted the provision of free healthcare services up to Rs 5 lakhs for frontline workers such as Asha and Anganwadi workers.

Prime Minister Modi underscored the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made during elections, emphasizing the successful implementation of the Mahatari Vandana Yojana in Chhattisgarh. He assured farmers of timely payment of pending bonuses and celebrated the government’s procurement initiatives, including the record procurement of 145 lakh tonnes of rice at a minimum support price of Rs 3,100 per quintal in Chhattisgarh.