TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 8, 2024: In a landmark initiative, the Mahtari Vandan Sammelan will be convened across all district and block headquarters, including urban areas and the capital city of Raipur, on March 10, coinciding with International Women’s Day. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is slated to address the gathering virtually, engaging directly with beneficiaries and underscoring the significance of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, aimed at empowering women. The first installment of financial assistance will be disbursed to more than 70 lakh women beneficiaries in the state through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), marking a pivotal step towards their economic empowerment.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai will grace the main event at the Science College grounds in Raipur at 1 p.m., where he will explore stalls showcasing the endeavors of women self-help groups and departmental activities. Additionally, Chief Minister Sai will kickstart a campaign to combat child marriage, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls in Chhattisgarh. Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, along with other dignitaries, will also be in attendance to lend their support to this noble endeavor.
The Mahtari Vandan Yojana, introduced by the state government on March 1, 2024, in alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s pledge to the people, aims to provide monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 to eligible married women above 21 years of age. This initiative promises to infuse Rs. 12,000 annually into the accounts of beneficiaries, significantly enhancing their financial stability and empowering them to pursue their aspirations. With the first tranche of assistance scheduled for disbursement on March 10, over 70 lakh women stand to benefit from this welfare scheme.
The Women and Child Development Department has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, reflecting the government’s steadfast commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Alongside cultural programs showcasing departmental activities, the Mahtari Vandan Sammelan will feature stalls exhibiting products crafted by women self-help groups, offering a platform for economic upliftment and entrepreneurial development. Moreover, the event will serve as a forum for disseminating information about various government schemes, fostering greater awareness and participation among beneficiaries. At the district level, a pledge will be taken to eradicate the scourge of child marriage, affirming Chhattisgarh’s commitment to fostering a society based on equality, dignity, and social justice.