Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Mahtari Vandan Yojana in Chhattisgarh on 10 March 2024, a scheme that aims to empower women and improve their health and nutrition status. The scheme will provide financial assistance of Rs 1000 per month to eligible married women of the state as monthly direct benefit transfer (DBT). The scheme will benefit around 70 lakh women in the state.
Objectives and benefits of the scheme
The Prime Minister said that the scheme is a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensure the holistic well-being of every family, and this begins with the health and dignity of the women. He said that when mothers and daughters get strong, the family gets strengthened. He also highlighted the various initiatives taken by the government for women empowerment, such as pucca houses, Ujjwala gas cylinders, Jan Dhan accounts, Mudra loans, self-help groups, and Namo Didi programme.
Development projects in Chhattisgarh
The Prime Minister also praised the state government for its efforts to improve the socio-economic condition of the people of Chhattisgarh. He said that the state has made remarkable progress in various sectors, such as agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and tourism. He said that the government has launched several projects worth Rs 35,000 crores in the state recently, which will create employment opportunities and boost development.
Gratitude and prayers
The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the women connected from various locations and apologized for not being physically present. He said that he offered his prayers for the welfare of the citizens at Kashi Vishwanath Dham last night.
Eligibility and implementation of the scheme
The Mahtari Vandan Yojana is a unique scheme that will provide financial security and economic independence to the women of Chhattisgarh. The scheme will also promote gender equality and strengthen the decisive role of women in the family. The scheme will cover all eligible married women of the state who are above 21 years of age as of January 1, 2024. Widows, divorced, and deserted women will also be eligible for this scheme.
The scheme will be implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development of Chhattisgarh. The beneficiaries will have to apply online through the official portal https://mahtarivandan.cgstate.gov.in/ or through common service centers (CSCs). The beneficiaries will have to submit their Aadhaar card, photo ID, mobile number, bank account details, and other relevant documents along with their application form. The beneficiaries will receive Rs 1000 per month in their bank accounts through DBT.
Conclusion
The Mahtari Vandan Yojana is a landmark scheme that will transform the lives of millions of women in Chhattisgarh. The scheme will not only provide financial assistance but also encourage women to take care of their health and nutrition. The scheme will also inspire women to participate in social and economic activities and contribute to the development of the state and the nation.