Women Empowered Economically Through Mahtari Vandan Scheme

Raipur, February 2026 : The Mahtari Vandan Scheme has brought a new ray of hope, dignity and self-reliance into the lives of women across the state. A प्रेरणादायी (inspiring) example of the scheme’s success is Smt. Bhagwati Ratre, a resident of Gram Panchayat Sanda in the Baramkela development block of Sarangarh district, who chose courage, determination and hard work to support her family despite severe hardships.

Smt. Bhagwati Ratre’s family consists of herself, her husband and their three-year-old daughter. Due to difficult family circumstances after marriage, she had to live separately from her in-laws. The entire responsibility of the household rested on her husband, who worked as a daily wage labourer and somehow managed to run the family. Unfortunately, he met with a serious accident that left him unable to work. Medical expenses, daily household needs and the care of a young child pushed the family into deep financial distress.

During this challenging phase, the Mahtari Vandan Scheme emerged as a strong support system in Smt. Bhagwati Ratre’s life. Instead of spending the ₹1,000 monthly assistance received under the scheme entirely on daily expenses, she began saving the amount regularly. With these savings and renewed self-confidence, she purchased a sewing machine worth ₹6,000 and took her first step towards self-employment.

Today, through stitching and tailoring work, Smt. Bhagwati Ratre earns around ₹5,000 per month. This income enables her to support her family, contribute to her husband’s medical treatment, provide for her daughter’s education and meet household needs with dignity and self-respect.

The Mahtari Vandan Scheme has not only provided her with financial assistance but has also instilled confidence, self-reliance and social respect. She now stands firmly on her own feet and has become a source of inspiration for other women in her community.

Expressing gratitude for this positive transformation in her life, Smt. Bhagwati Ratre thanked Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, stating that the Mahtari Vandan Scheme has empowered her to become self-reliant and live a life of dignity.