32nd instalment released; over Rs. 632.40 crore transferred to more than 67.38 lakh women across Chhattisgarh
Raipur, October 8, 2026. The Mahtari Vandan Yojana, which has strengthened the economic independence, self-respect and confidence of lakhs of women in Chhattisgarh, reached another milestone on Thursday. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai released the 32nd instalment of the scheme at a programme in Durg district, transferring more than Rs. 632.40 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the bank accounts of 67,38,217 eligible women across the state. With this, the total financial assistance provided to women under the scheme has crossed Rs. 20,708 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that respecting women and ensuring their economic empowerment is not merely a scheme or programme for the state government, but a major priority of good governance. He said that when a woman becomes financially empowered, the entire family benefits. Her participation in decisions related to children’s education, nutrition, family health and the future also becomes stronger.
Through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, the government is providing financial support to women and strengthening their confidence to make independent decisions.
Chief Minister Sai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new direction to women’s empowerment by making women a driving force of national development. Under his leadership, several initiatives have been undertaken to promote women’s dignity, safety, health and economic independence. The Chhattisgarh Government is also working in the same spirit to bring lasting and positive changes to women’s lives.
He said that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is a strong example of this commitment. The monthly assistance of Rs. 1,000 has become a reliable source of financial support for lakhs of women to meet their personal and family needs. Some women use the amount for their children’s education, others for nutrition and healthcare, while many use it to increase their savings and support livelihood activities.
The Chief Minister said the assistance provided under the scheme is not merely financial support deposited into bank accounts. It also strengthens women’s self-respect, confidence and self-reliance. The government aims to ensure that women become financially stronger and play an increasingly important role in decision-making within their families and society.
State Government Providing Financial Support to Women Every Month
The Mahtari Vandan Yojana came into effect in Chhattisgarh on March 1, 2024, under which eligible women receive Rs. 1,000 as monthly financial assistance directly into their bank accounts. From the launch of the scheme until September 2026, the government provided Rs. 20,075.76 crore in financial assistance through 31 instalments.
With the 32nd instalment released by Chief Minister Sai on Thursday, more than Rs. 632.40 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of more than 67.38 lakh eligible women across the state. The total financial assistance provided under the scheme has now exceeded Rs. 20,708 crore.
Direct transfers to women’s bank accounts provide regular financial support while also giving them direct control over their financial resources through a transparent system.
The Chief Minister said the government is committed to improving women’s lives and providing them equal opportunities to progress. Along with economic empowerment, the state government is continuously working in the areas of women’s health, nutrition, education, skills and livelihoods.
He said that when a woman becomes empowered, her family becomes stronger. When lakhs of women across the state become self-reliant, society and the entire state move towards new heights of development. Women have a vital role to play in building a developed Chhattisgarh.
Over 3.89 Lakh Women in Durg Receive Rs. 37.19 Crore
A total of 3,89,507 eligible women in Durg district also benefited directly from the 32nd instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Chief Minister Sai transferred Rs. 37.19 crore to their bank accounts.
The regular financial assistance is giving women greater freedom to meet their personal needs along with household expenses. It is also strengthening their role and decision-making ability in managing family finances.
Chief Minister Sai said that the government wants every woman in Chhattisgarh to move forward with confidence and aims to support them in fulfilling their dreams and aspirations. He said women’s empowerment is not limited to financial assistance alone, but is a broader commitment to ensuring dignity, opportunities and self-reliance.
Development Works Worth Rs. 218.48 Crore to Accelerate Durg’s Progress
Alongside financial support to lakhs of women under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Chief Minister Sai also announced development works worth Rs. 218.48 crore for the overall development of Durg district.
He inaugurated the completed upgradation work of ITI Durg, undertaken at a cost of Rs. 1.22 crore. He also laid the foundation stones for 23 construction and development works worth Rs. 217.25 crore.
These projects cover key sectors including road connectivity, irrigation, education, skill development, medical and nursing education, and electricity infrastructure. Once completed, they will expand public facilities in Durg district and accelerate development in both rural and urban areas.
Better Roads to Improve Connectivity and Transportation
Under the Public Works Department, a five-kilometre stretch of road from Pulgaon Bridge main road to Anjora-Rasmada, connecting to State Highway No. 22, will be converted into a four-lane road in the Durg Rural Assembly constituency at a cost of Rs. 30.20 crore.
In the Ahiwara Assembly constituency, foundation stones were laid for widening and strengthening the Kumhari-Ahiwara-Pathariya State Highway No. 21 at a cost of Rs. 24.06 crore, along with construction of a 3.60-kilometre road from Jewra Sirsa to Bhatgaon at a cost of Rs. 4.28 crore.
In the Patan Assembly constituency, Rs. 15.03 crore will be spent on widening and strengthening a 15.50-kilometre stretch of the Bhilai-Sirsa-Aundhi-Auri-Motipur road. The government has approved Rs. 8.33 crore for strengthening a 15-kilometre stretch of the Bhilai-Tarra main district road, while Rs. 3.97 crore has been sanctioned for construction of a 2.20-kilometre road from Pauha to Khapri.
In the Ahiwara and Vaishali Nagar areas, the foundation stone was also laid for widening a 2.50-kilometre stretch of the main road from Chandulal Chandrakar Government Medical College to Junwani-Kohka-Kurud at a cost of Rs. 7.06 crore.
These works are expected to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas, make travel safer and more convenient, and provide easier access to education, healthcare, markets and employment centres.
Investment in Youth Skills and Their Future
Chief Minister Sai inaugurated the upgraded ITI Durg in the Durg City Assembly constituency. The project was financed through the SIDBI Cluster Development Fund at a cost of Rs. 1.22 crore. The upgraded infrastructure will provide better facilities for modern technical training and help young people acquire skills aligned with industry requirements.
Various infrastructure development works will also be undertaken at Government Polytechnic Durg at a cost of Rs. 8.86 crore. These include renovation of the office block, construction of a cement concrete road, toilet facilities for persons with disabilities and expansion of the civil wing.
A Livelihood College building will be constructed in the Durg Rural Assembly constituency at a cost of Rs. 4.11 crore. It will provide modern facilities for employment-oriented training and skill development, helping young people access employment and self-employment opportunities.
Irrigation Infrastructure to Be Strengthened
Foundation stones were laid for several projects under the Water Resources Department to expand irrigation facilities, promote water conservation and improve reservoir capacity.
In the Patan Assembly constituency, Rs. 2.23 crore will be spent on renovating the Surpa Diversion Scheme and remodelling and lining its canal system.
In the Ahiwara area, works worth Rs. 4.96 crore will be undertaken to renovate and line the Mohandi Reservoir canal system, Rs. 4.57 crore for the Kapsada Reservoir and Rs. 4.77 crore for the Nandauri Reservoir.
In the Durg Rural area, Rs. 4.71 crore each will be spent on renovating the Tirga and Ganiyari reservoirs. Another Rs. 4.97 crore will be spent on renovating the Risali-Umarpoti Reservoir and lining its canal.
The Kotni Minor Channel will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.93 crore to fill ponds in the Durg Municipal Corporation area with water for daily use. The foundation stone was also laid for renovation and new construction works at the Shivnath Division Office, Durg, at a cost of Rs. 4.96 crore.
Once completed, these projects will improve water management, strengthen irrigation facilities and help ensure water availability for farming.
Medical and Nursing Education Facilities to Be Expanded
The government has also initiated key projects to strengthen medical education infrastructure in Durg city. Chief Minister Sai laid the foundation stone for hostels for male and female students of the Government Medical College at a cost of Rs. 16.16 crore.
The foundation stone was also laid for construction of the Government GNM Training Centre at District Hospital, Durg, at a cost of Rs. 11.96 crore. These projects will provide better facilities to medical and nursing students and help develop trained human resources for healthcare services in the state.
Electricity Infrastructure to Be Further Strengthened in Patan
Foundation stones were laid for three important projects to strengthen electricity supply and transmission infrastructure in the Patan Assembly constituency.
These include construction of a 132/33 kV substation at Jamgaon (R) at a cost of Rs. 25.83 crore and a 132 kV Patan-Jamgaon (R) extra-high-voltage transmission line at a cost of Rs. 14 crore.
In addition, two additional 132 kV bays will be constructed at the 220/132 kV substation in Patan at a cost of Rs. 2.50 crore. Once completed, these works will increase the region’s transmission capacity and help ensure a stronger and more reliable electricity supply to consumers.
Empowered Women to Build a Developed Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the state government’s development model is based on a combination of public welfare and strong infrastructure. While women are being empowered financially, basic facilities such as roads, irrigation, education, healthcare, skill development and electricity are also being expanded.
He said that Chhattisgarh is contributing with full commitment towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. Women will play a decisive role in the journey towards a developed Chhattisgarh.
The state government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last person in society by making women financially self-reliant, expanding opportunities for youth, strengthening farmers and developing modern infrastructure.
Chief Minister Sai said that the happiness on women’s faces, the confidence in their lives and the financial strength in their hands are among the state government’s greatest achievements. Empowered women form the strong foundation of empowered families, a prosperous society and a developed Chhattisgarh.
