Kumar Bahukhandi
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah releases the 33rd instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav closing ceremony in Nava Raipur on 3 November 2026 (top). The other frames show women holding up their mobile phones (centre) and Chief Minister Sai speaking with a woman (bottom). Photo:channel24india.com via Dhananjay Rathore
Union Home Minister Amit Shah released ₹632.64 crore under the scheme at the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav closing ceremony in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Raipur: As families across Chhattisgarh prepared for Diwali, the state government transferred the 33rd instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana to the bank accounts of 67,40,410 women. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah released the instalment on 3 November at the closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav in Nava Raipur in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The state transferred ₹632,63,67,750 through Direct Benefit Transfer. The beneficiaries included 67,33,502 women who had completed e-KYC verification and 6,908 women in areas served by Niyad Nella Nar camps.
A contribution to household budgets before Diwali
The instalment reached beneficiaries as households were balancing their usual expenses with preparations for Diwali. The money can go towards groceries and other everyday needs, help cover festival purchases or be set aside for a later expense. With the transfer made directly to their bank accounts, women can decide when and how to use the assistance.
The payment also came during the festive shopping period that began around Karwa Chauth. Purchases for Diwali bring customers to neighbourhood shops and local markets, where spending by beneficiary households forms part of seasonal demand.
Total disbursements cross ₹21,350 crore
The Chhattisgarh government began disbursing assistance under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana in March 2024. The scheme provides for monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 to eligible married women. With the release of the 33rd instalment, cumulative disbursements reached ₹21,350.50 crore, according to the state Public Relations Department.
The scheme aims to strengthen women’s financial independence and increase their role in decisions about household spending. Regular assistance gives beneficiaries an amount they can factor into their budgets, whether they use it for a recurring expense or save towards a larger purchase. Ahead of Diwali, the latest instalment gave recipients room to make those choices while planning for the festival.
About the Author- Dhananjay Rathore is Joint Director, Chhattisgarh Public Relations, Raipur. He writes on Chhattisgarh’s development programmes and public welfare schemes.
