Mahtari Vandan Scheme Strengthens Economic Support for Women: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, March 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become a strong pillar of financial support for women in the state, empowering them economically and socially. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister transferred ₹641.58 crore as the 25th installment of the scheme into the bank accounts of 69.48 lakh women across the state.

The announcement was made during a large Mahtari Vandan Conference–2026 held at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Mini Stadium in the Bastar region. Extending greetings to women on International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister said that the maternal power of Chhattisgarh is the greatest strength of society. He emphasized that empowering women economically and socially is the foundation for building a developed Chhattisgarh.

With the release of the latest installment, the total financial assistance provided to women under the Mahtari Vandan scheme has reached ₹16,237 crore. The Chief Minister said the programme is not just a financial assistance scheme but a welfare initiative that strengthens self-confidence, dignity, and self-reliance among women.

Sai recalled March 10, 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. At that time, a commitment was made to transfer ₹1,000 every month into the bank accounts of eligible women in the state. Over the past 25 months, this promise has been fulfilled consistently, and each beneficiary has received ₹25,000 so far, he said.

The Chief Minister noted that the state government has made a budgetary provision of ₹8,200 crore this year to ensure the uninterrupted implementation of the scheme. He said the financial assistance is bringing visible changes in the lives of women, who are using the money for children’s education, healthcare, household needs, savings, and self-employment.

According to the Chief Minister, women are not only the backbone of their families but also excellent financial managers. He said many women have used the funds wisely—some have started small businesses, others have invested in family enterprises, while many have used the money to secure their children’s future through education and savings.

Sai also highlighted that women are playing an increasingly important role in the development of society and the state’s economy.

Referring to the security situation in the state, the Chief Minister said that due to the strong resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the bravery of security forces, Naxalism is now in its final phase. For families affected by Naxal violence and for surrendered Naxalites, the state government has approved 15,000 houses as part of rehabilitation efforts.

He added that a new atmosphere of peace, development, and trust is emerging in remote regions such as Bastar, and women are playing a vital role in this transformation.

The state government is also working on several initiatives to strengthen women’s social and economic position. Under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, 21,754 marriages of daughters have been organized over the past two years.

To provide safe and dignified spaces for women’s activities, the government has approved the construction of 368 Mahtari Sadan buildings across the state, of which 137 have already been completed. These centres will be used at the Gram Panchayat level for women’s meetings, training programmes, marketing activities, and community gatherings.

Sai also emphasized the government’s efforts to increase women’s income through self-help groups. So far, eight lakh women in the state have become “Lakhpati Didis”—women earning at least ₹1 lakh annually through livelihood initiatives. The government now aims to increase this number to 10 lakh Lakhpati Didis.

In addition, the government has restarted Ready-to-Eat food production through women’s self-help groups, which will gradually be expanded to other districts to create more local employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Niyad Nella Nar Scheme, which has helped restore basic services in Naxal-affected areas. Through this initiative, health facilities have been reopened, closed schools have been restarted, electricity and mobile towers have been installed, and clean drinking water and roads are reaching remote villages.

He added that the Chief Minister Bus Service Scheme has improved transportation in rural areas of Bastar and Surguja, enabling better access to education, healthcare, and employment.

During the programme, the Chief Minister interacted through video conferencing with several beneficiaries, including women from different districts who shared how the scheme changed their lives.

One beneficiary, Mithilesh Chaturvedi from Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, said that after her husband’s death she faced severe financial difficulties. With support from government schemes and the Mahtari Vandan assistance, she purchased an e-rickshaw and started earning a livelihood with dignity.

Another beneficiary, Neetu Sahu from Dhamtari, said that earlier it was difficult to save money for her daughters’ future. With the monthly assistance from the scheme, she opened Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts for both her daughters and began saving regularly.

Similarly, Nidhi Jaiswal from Surguja used her savings from the scheme to start a beauty parlour named “Nidhi Makeover,” while Anita Sahu from Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi started a tailoring business called “Anita Silai Center.” Another beneficiary, Saraswati Kenwat from Janjgir-Champa, invested the money in her family business to increase household income.

The Chief Minister said it was encouraging to see how the scheme’s financial assistance is becoming a foundation for the progress of families across the state.

On the occasion, the Women and Child Development Department also launched the “Lakshmi Sakhi Millet Cart” initiative. Under this programme, rehabilitated women will receive training through agricultural colleges and produce millet-based food products for sale, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Rajwade also extended greetings on International Women’s Day and said the scheme was launched soon after the formation of the government to fulfill the guarantee announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She noted that nearly 70 lakh women in the state are benefiting from the programme, which is helping meet household needs while strengthening financial independence.

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap said the regular monthly financial assistance under the scheme demonstrates the government’s commitment to women’s welfare. Meanwhile, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Dev said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, effective implementation of welfare schemes has enabled women to play a key role in both family prosperity and state development.

During the event, the Women and Child Development Department released a booklet highlighting success stories from various government schemes. Beneficiary women also expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister by presenting him with a basket of fruits and a traditional Dhurwa towel.

Several public representatives and senior officials attended the programme, including Dantewada MLA Chaitram Atami and other leaders and administrators from the Bastar region.