In a move towards women empowerment in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the Mahatari Vandana Yojana, disbursing its inaugural installment. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance of Rs 1000 per month to eligible married women of the state through monthly Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The initiative seeks to bolster economic empowerment, foster financial security, promote gender equality, and fortify the pivotal role of women within families.
Targeting all eligible married women above 21 years of age as of January 1, 2024, the scheme extends its benefits to widows, divorced, and deserted women. Approximately 70 lakh women stand to benefit from this program.
During the launch, PM Modi paid homage to the deities Maa Danteshwari, Maa Bambleshwari, and Maa Mahamaya, reflecting on his recent visit to the state where he inaugurated projects worth Rs 35,000 crores. Expressing gratitude to the participants and extending apologies for his absence, he assured them of his prayers offered at Kashi Vishwanath Dham the preceding night.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the well-being of families, emphasizing the pivotal role of women therein. He underscored various initiatives aimed at empowering women, including the provision of housing and Ujjwala Gas Cylinders in their names, highlighting the significant representation of women in Jan Dhan Accounts, Mudra Loans, and Self Help Groups (SHGs). The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s objective of empowering three crore “Lakhpati Didis.”
PM Modi emphasized the importance of maternal and infant health, announcing measures such as free vaccinations for pregnant women and financial assistance of ₹5,000 during pregnancy. He also pledged free healthcare services, up to ₹5 lakhs, for frontline workers like Asha and Anganwadi workers.
Reflecting on past challenges faced by women, particularly concerning sanitation, Prime Minister assured dignified living conditions by ensuring the provision of toilets in every household.
Regarding agricultural reforms, PM Modi assured timely payment of pending bonuses to paddy farmers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to procuring rice at a minimum support price of ₹3,100 per quintal in Chhattisgarh.