TFP Bureau, Raipur; February 22, 2024: The Chhattisgarh Assembly passed demands for grants totaling Rs 3009 crore 28 lakh 14 thousand for the fiscal year 2024-25, earmarked for the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare departments under the stewardship of Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade. These grants aim to bolster various welfare schemes and initiatives targeting the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable sections of society.
Women and Child Development Department
Minister Smt. Rajwade unveiled a comprehensive plan, allocating a substantial sum of Rs 3000 crore for the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a testament to the state government’s commitment to empowering women economically. Under this scheme, eligible women will receive Rs 1000 per month, providing a significant boost to their socio-economic status.
The budget also sets aside Rs 20 crore for establishing foster centers at 1500 locations, catering to the needs of children belonging to working women. Additionally, Rs 700 crore has been earmarked for providing nutritious food to combat malnutrition, while Rs 13 crore will be invested in installing sanitary napkin vending machines across 1000 girls’ schools and colleges.
Furthermore, provisions have been made for enhancing Anganwadi infrastructure, with Rs 24 crore allocated for rural areas and Rs 12 crore for urban centers. Other initiatives include Rs 116 crore 56 lakh for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandan Yojana and Rs 4 crore for the Disabled Marriage Promotion Scheme, underscoring the government’s multifaceted approach towards social welfare.
Social Welfare Department
In the realm of social welfare, Minister Smt. Rajwade outlined initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of senior citizens, disabled persons, and transgender individuals. The budget includes provisions for operating helpline numbers to swiftly resolve issues related to departmental schemes, as well as combating drug abuse through the formation of Bharatmata Vahini units in Gram Panchayats.
Additionally, funds have been allocated for providing artificial limbs and assistive devices to disabled persons, as well as promoting self-employment among them through the Sambal Yojana. The budget also caters to the social rehabilitation of disabled individuals through the Disabled Jan Vivah Protsahan Yojana and the operation of old age homes, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and welfare for all segments of society.
