Focus on women empowerment, social welfare and senior citizen care; over 70 lakh women benefiting from Mahtari Vandan Yojana
Published on: March 12, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved grant demands worth ₹11,762.53 crore for departments headed by Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Laxmi Rajwade for the financial year 2026–27.
The approved allocations include ₹10,162.53 crore for the Women and Child Development Department and over ₹1,600 crore for the Social Welfare Department, reflecting the state government’s commitment to strengthening welfare schemes for women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Replying to the discussion in the Assembly, Minister Rajwade said the government remains committed to ensuring respect, security and empowerment for the last person in society. She said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, several welfare initiatives are being implemented across the state.
Mahtari Vandan Yojana Benefiting Over 70 Lakh Women
The minister highlighted that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has emerged as one of the state government’s flagship initiatives aimed at the economic empowerment of women.
According to Rajwade, around 70 lakh women in Chhattisgarh are currently benefiting from the scheme. So far, the government has disbursed more than ₹14,000 crore in 25 installments, strengthening the financial independence and self-reliance of women across the state.
Focus on Maternal Health and Child Nutrition
To improve the health and nutrition of women and children, the government has allocated ₹120 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and ₹80 crore for the Mission Vatsalya.
Additionally, ₹800 crore has been earmarked for the operation of Anganwadi centres, while ₹650 crore has been allocated for supplementary nutrition programs. The government has also made special provisions to upgrade infrastructure and facilities at Anganwadi centres across the state.
For adolescent girls, ₹40 crore has been allocated under the Kishori Balika Scheme, while ₹10 crore has been earmarked for the Shuchita Scheme, aimed at promoting hygiene and sanitation among schoolgirls.
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Rani Durgavati Scheme to Support Girls’ Future
The minister announced that the state government will soon launch the Rani Durgavati Yojana to support the future of girl children. Under this scheme, girls will receive financial assistance of ₹1.5 lakh upon turning 18 years of age.
A provision of ₹15 crore has been made in the current budget for the implementation of the scheme. The government has also allocated ₹125 crore for the Poshan Abhiyaan and ₹40 crore for the Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme, aimed at supporting economically weaker families.
Rajwade also said that adequate funds have been earmarked for women’s safety initiatives, including the operation of One Stop Centres, Sakhi Niwas shelters and Child Helpline services.
Social Welfare Budget Sees 59% Increase
Speaking on the Social Welfare Department, the minister informed the House that ₹1,600 crore has been allocated for FY 2026–27, which is 59 percent higher compared to the last five years.
Under social security schemes, about 21.76 lakh beneficiaries are receiving pensions through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). A budget provision of ₹1,402 crore has been made to support these pension payments.
“Siyan Gudi” Day-Care Centres for Senior Citizens
To promote the care and social participation of elderly citizens, the government will establish “Siyan Gudi” day-care centres across the state. A provision of ₹5 crore has been made for the initiative.
In addition, ₹6 crore has been allocated for old-age homes, ₹20 crore for the National Family Assistance Scheme, and ₹20 crore for the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme.
The minister also highlighted special provisions in the budget for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, including funding for special schools, distribution of assistive devices and rehabilitation programs.
Furthermore, ₹1 crore has been allocated for the establishment of a Transgender Welfare Board, aimed at improving welfare and social inclusion for the transgender community.
Concluding her remarks, Rajwade said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the government’s objective is not merely to run schemes but to ensure justice, dignity and security reach the last person in society, while working with dedication toward inclusive development.
