The Chhattisgarh government’s much-anticipated Mahatari Vandana scheme marked its inception with the dispersal of its inaugural instalment this Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi facilitated the transfer of a substantial sum totalling Rs 655 crore into the accounts of approximately 70 lakh deserving women. PM Modi underscored the government’s commitment to empowering women by unveiling plans to integrate them into the forthcoming Namo Drone initiative.

Starting his address with Jai Johar, PM Modi said, “Two weeks ago, I inaugurated and dedicated projects worth Rs 35,000 crore in Chhattisgarh. Today, I have the opportunity to dedicate the Mahatari Vandana Yojana, which empowers women, to you all.” The scheme promised to give more than 70 lakh mothers and sisters of the state Rs 1,000 every month. The BJP government has fulfilled its promise.

Prime Minister Modi stated, “I should have been among you, but due to various scheduled programmes, I am in Uttar Pradesh and speaking from Kashi. Last night, while offering prayer to Baba Vishwanath, I prayed for the well-being of all the citizens of the country. Due to the celebration of Shivaratri on March 8, I was not able to attend this programme, but today, I am connecting with you from the city of Baba Bhole and providing Rs 1,000 along with the blessings of Bhole Baba.

Prime Minister stated, “In the past 10 years, our government has changed the lives of more than 10 crore women through self-help groups. With the efforts of our government, over one crore women have become ‘lakhpati didi’. Economic empowerment has become widespread in every village. We have decided to take a big leap forward after reviewing it. Now, we aim to make three crore women ‘lakhpati didi’ across the country. We are working on the Namo Drone Didi Yojana. Join us tomorrow at ten o’clock to learn more about the Namo Drone Didi Yojana. The government will provide drones to the women as well as drone pilot training”. He shared that,” One sister told me that she didn’t even know how to ride a bicycle before. Now she is a drone pilot. This will develop agriculture. A family thrives when it is healthy, and a family is healthy when its women are healthy. Previously, maternal and child mortality during pregnancy were major concerns. We have worked on this issue. Earlier, the scarcity of toilets caused embarrassment for mothers, but now, having toilets has helped them avoid health issues.”

Highlighting the profound impact of financial stability on familial well-being, PM Modi lauded the BJP’s double-engine government’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of mothers and sisters across Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister for dedicating his time to launch the Mahatari Vandana Yojana, stating, “The day for which these women were eagerly waiting has arrived today. Our visionary Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, had pledged that if our government was formed in Chhattisgarh, we would initiate this scheme. Today, the first instalment is being transferred to the bank accounts of 70,12,600 women.” The ceremonious event, held at Raipur’s historical Science College ground, witnessed the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Minister Lakshmi Rajwade, Brijmohan Agrawal, Ramvichar Netam, and a host of other dignitaries.

Emphasising the essence of inclusivity, PM Modi remarked, “Our vision for progress extends to every corner of Chhattisgarh. We stand committed to our promise of granting financial stability to over 70 lakh women through the Mahatari Vandana Yojana.” This pioneering initiative pledges a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 to women beneficiaries, thereby fulfilling a crucial electoral promise.

“I am heartened to witness the transformative potential of our initiatives, evident in the lives of over 10 crore women uplifted through self-help groups in the past decade,” PM Modi asserted, underscoring the monumental strides towards gender parity. Moreover, he heralded the imminent launch of the Namo Drone scheme, poised to revolutionise agricultural practices and bolster rural economy. “Health and prosperity are intrinsic to the sanctity of familial bonds. Our healthcare initiatives, including free vaccination and comprehensive medical coverage during pregnancy, epitomise our unwavering commitment to maternal and child welfare,” he reiterated.

PM Modi emphasised, “Family becomes prosperous when it is healthy. Family is healthy when the women of the house are healthy. We have initiated free vaccination and a scheme of providing Rs 5,000 during pregnancy. We have provided the facility of free treatment worth Rs 5 lakh.” PM Modi affirmed, “As we embark on this journey of collective empowerment, we remain resolute in our mission to foster a society where every woman finds her voice and her place in the sun.”