Raipur:  The Mahtari Vandan Yojana, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai to strengthen the economic independence, self-respect, and decisive role of women in Chhattisgarh, is emerging as an effective and far-reaching women's empowerment initiative. This scheme not only provides regular financial assistance to women, but also connects them with new opportunities for self-employment and livelihood, making them self-reliant.

The story of women's empowerment from economic strength to self-reliance

    Under the scheme, eligible women are receiving a fixed monthly assistance of ₹1,000 directly into their bank accounts. So far, a total of ₹14,948 crore 34 lakh has been provided to millions of women in the state in 23 installments. This regular support has reduced women's worries about household expenses, boosted their self-confidence, and empowered them to take an active role in economic decisions.
Steps Toward Self-Employment

    The most positive aspect of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is that women are utilizing the assistance and starting small businesses. Urmila Yadav, a resident of Ward No. 2 of Champa Nagar in Janjgir-Champa district, started a business making artificial jewelry by saving the monthly payment. Today, she earns an additional income of approximately 2,000 rupees per month by selling jewelry from home and at weekly markets.

    Similarly, Jyoti Kaser of Champa started a papad business with the help of the scheme, which now generates a monthly profit of approximately 5,000 rupees. This allows her to easily meet her family's educational and healthcare needs. Sumitra Karsh of Sarhar village started a cosmetics shop, earning an additional income of approximately 1,000 rupees per month, while Kusum Devi Pandey expanded her cosmetics shop and now earns a monthly profit of 2,000 rupees.

This scheme is providing stability to the lives of poor families,
    providing financial security even to families dependent on wages and limited income. Satrupa Gandharva, a resident of Majhgaon village in Kabirdham district and from a wage-dependent family, has so far received Rs 23,000 in 23 installments under the scheme. She says this amount has been used to cover her children's education, household needs, and personal expenses.

    Their needs are being met easily. With regular assistance, they are now able to save some money, eliminating the worry of unexpected expenses. Omlata, who belongs to a simple farmer family from Raghunathnagar village in Balrampur district, has also benefited from this scheme and moved forward towards self-reliance.  

Increasing Women's Respect and Participation
    Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade stated that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is an initiative that brings stability, respect, and self-confidence to women's lives. Regular financial assistance has enabled women to play an active role in meeting family needs and has increased their participation in economic decisions. She directed officials to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach every eligible woman in a timely and transparent manner.

    Today, the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is not just a financial assistance program, but has become a strong foundation for women's dreams, self-reliance, and social empowerment. This scheme is giving women in the state the opportunity to move forward with confidence and is establishing a new identity for Chhattisgarh in the field of women's empowerment.