Mahatari Vandana Yojana, Eligibility, Benefits, State Level & Central Level

Women’s economic empowerment has become a key focus area for state governments to promote inclusive development and strengthen family welfare. In this context, the Chhattisgarh government has introduced a direct cash transfer scheme aimed at providing regular financial support to women, especially from economically vulnerable households.

Mahatari Vandana Yojana 

Mahatari Vandana Yojana is a monthly cash assistance scheme launched by the Chattisgarh government in March 2024. It has been envisioned to ensure economic empowerment of women, provide them financial security, promote gender equality and strengthen the decisive role of women in the family. Around 70 lakh women will benefit from the scheme.

Mahatari Vandana Yojana Eligibility

Any female resident of Chhattisgarh who is married and above 21 years of age as of January 1, 2024, is eligible for the benefits. These include widowed, divorced, and abandoned women.

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Mahatari Vandana Yojana Benefits

• Under the Mahatari Vandana Yojana, a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 is provided to eligible married women in Chattisgarh through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Under the scheme, women who are receiving less than ₹1,000 per month from other pension schemes will be eligible for additional funds to ensure a minimum monthly benefit of ₹1,000. 

Other Schemes for Women Empowerment at State Level 

Schemes for women empowerment at the state level are as follows:

Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh, Mahalakshmi Scheme in Telangana, Kanya Sumangala Yojana in Uttar Pradesh, Shakti Fund in Odisha etc 

Other Schemes for Women Empowerment at Central Level

Schemes for women empowerment at the central level are categorised into following : 

Economic & Financial Empowerment

• PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Cash support for pregnant and lactating women – ₹5,000 in three installments for the first child and ₹6,000 for the second child if it is a girl. 
• Mahila Samman Savings Certificate: Small savings scheme for women
• Stand-Up India: Bank loans for women entrepreneurs

Education & Skill Development

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Aimed at addressing declining child sex ratio through awareness, education, and institutional support for the girl child.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Encourage savings for girl child’s education and marriage through long-term, high-interest savings.
• Skill India (Women-focused programs): To increase employability and entrepreneurship among women by providing market-relevant skill training. 

Health & Nutrition

• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Provide cash assistance ranging from ₹600 to ₹1,400 to encourage institutional deliveries, especially among poor and vulnerable women.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: To provide nutrition for women and children
• Mission Indradhanush: Immunisation of mothers and children against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, hepatitis-B, and Haemophilus influenzae type-B. 

Safety & Legal Support

• One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi): Support for women facing violence
• Women Helpline (181): A 24×7 toll-free emergency support service providing immediate assistance, counselling, rescue, and referral services to women facing violence, distress, or harassment.
• Nirbhaya Fund: For Women safety infrastructure

Political & Social Empowerment

• Reservation for Women in Panchayats: Political participation at grassroots

Women’s Reservation Bill (108th Constitutional Amendment): proposes 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies