‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana Empowering Women Across the State’

Raipur, March 2026:On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Vishnu Deo Sai transferred the 25th instalment of funds under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, amounting to ₹641 crore, directly into the bank accounts of about 6.9 million women across the state through virtual mode from Bastar.

During the state-level programme, the Chief Minister interacted virtually with women beneficiaries from various districts and learned about the positive changes the scheme has brought to their lives.

Speaking on the occasion, Sai said the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is not merely an initiative for financial assistance but has become a powerful medium to strengthen women’s dignity, confidence, and self-reliance. Through the scheme, women are not only meeting their families’ financial needs but are also creating new paths toward self-employment and entrepreneurship.

During the programme, the Chief Minister spoke via video conference with Nidhi Jaiswal, a resident of Bauripara in Ambikapur. She shared that she had saved the money received under the scheme and started her own beauty parlour. Jaiswal said the scheme gave her an opportunity to become self-reliant and helped her establish a new identity in society. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, stating that the scheme has become a new source of confidence for women.

Another inspiring example emerged from Janjgir-Champa district, where Saraswati Kenwat, a resident of Tendubhatha village in Nawagarh development block, has used the financial assistance from the scheme to expand her small hotel business. Over time, her efforts have generated an additional monthly income of around ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, strengthening her family’s economic condition.

During the virtual interaction, Kenwat warmly invited the Chief Minister to visit her hotel. Responding with a smile, Sai accepted the invitation and said he would certainly visit and enjoy tea along with traditional snacks like bhajiyas and pakoras.

The Chief Minister’s friendly response brought great joy to Kenwat and her family, and her initiative has become a source of inspiration for other women in the region.

During the programme held in Bastar, the Chief Minister also interacted with another beneficiary, Neetu Sahu, from Shyamtarai village in Dhamtari district. When asked how she uses the scheme’s funds, Sahu explained that she deposits ₹500 each month into the bank accounts of her two daughters to secure their future. Appreciating her initiative, the Chief Minister said such efforts are inspiring for other women as well.

The Mahtari Vandan Yojana of the Chhattisgarh government has now emerged as a strong pillar of women’s empowerment in the state. Under the scheme, nearly 6.9 million married women receive financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month directly in their bank accounts.

So far, more than ₹16,237 crore has been transferred to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism. This regular financial support is helping boost women’s confidence and strengthening their economic independence across the state.