In a significant move aimed at empowering women and supporting farmers, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Chhattisgarh is set to launch two flagship schemes - the Mahatari Vandan Yojana and the Krishak Unnati Yojana.
Under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, married women in the state will receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000. This initiative, scheduled to roll out on March 10, is expected to benefit nearly 70 lakh women in Chhattisgarh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate virtually in the launch event and interact with the beneficiaries.
The scheme, with an allocation of about Rs 700 crore for its first instalment, aims to provide consistent support to women, empowering them economically and socially.
Additionally, the Krishak Unnati Yojana, set to be launched on March 12, will extend financial assistance to paddy farmers in the state. Under this scheme, farmers whose paddy has been procured at the minimum support price (MSP) fixed by the Centre will receive additional amounts.
Union Ministers Arjun Munda and Giriraj Singh are slated to attend the launch event of the Krishak Unnati Yojana, emphasizing the central government's support for agricultural development in Chhattisgarh.
Notably, the Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has decided to purchase paddy from farmers at Rs 3,100 per quintal. This initiative builds upon the state's record purchase of 1.47 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, for which farmers have already been paid the MSP at Rs 2,183 per quintal.
Through the Krishak Unnati Yojana, the state government aims to bridge the gap between the MSP and the actual procurement price, depositing the difference amount of Rs 917 per quintal directly into the bank accounts of farmers.
A staggering Rs 13,000 crore will be disbursed to over 24 lakh farmers on March 12, marking a significant stride towards agricultural prosperity and rural development in Chhattisgarh.
The simultaneous launch of these schemes underscores the government's commitment to inclusive growth, women's empowerment, and agricultural advancement, setting a positive trajectory for the state's socio-economic development.