Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly today approved budget allocations totaling ₹11,762.53 crore for the Women & Child Development Department and Social Welfare Department for the fiscal year 2026-27. The announcement was made by Minister for Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Laxmi Rajwade, highlighting the state government’s commitment to empowering women, protecting children, and supporting senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Of the total allocation, ₹10,162.53 crore is earmarked for the Women & Child Development Department, while over ₹1,600 crore is allocated for the Social Welfare Department, marking a 59% increase compared to the past five years.
Mahatari Vandan Scheme: Empowering 70 Lakh Women
Minister Rajwade emphasized that the Mahatari Vandan Scheme is one of the state’s most ambitious initiatives aimed at women’s economic empowerment. The scheme has so far benefitted approximately 70 lakh women, with over ₹14,000 crore disbursed in 25 installments. This program has significantly enhanced women’s financial independence and self-reliance.
Other key women-centric programs include:
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: ₹120 crore for maternal health and nutrition
- Mission Vatsalya: ₹80 crore
- Anganwadi operations: ₹800 crore
- Supplementary nutrition: ₹650 crore
- Kishori Balika Yojana: ₹40 crore for adolescent girls’ health and nutrition
- Shuchita Yojana: ₹10 crore for schoolgirls’ sanitation
Rani Durgavati Scheme for Daughters
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the state government will launch the Rani Durgavati Scheme, providing ₹1.5 lakh financial assistance to girls on turning 18 years old. The budget provision for this year is ₹15 crore, ensuring a secure and empowered future for daughters.
Other women-focused initiatives include:
- Nutrition campaigns: ₹125 crore
- Chief Minister Group Marriage Scheme: ₹40 crore
- Women safety initiatives: Funding for One-Stop Centers, Sakhi Niwas, and Child Helplines
- Awareness campaigns and enforcement of women protection laws
Social Welfare: Supporting Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities
For the Social Welfare Department, Minister Rajwade highlighted the following initiatives:
- Pension benefits: Approximately 21.76 lakh beneficiaries receiving direct benefit transfers (DBT), with ₹1,402 crore allocated
- Senior citizen care: Establishment of “Siyan Gudi” daycare centers with ₹5 crore provision
- Old age homes: ₹6 crore
- National Family Assistance Scheme: ₹20 crore
- Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme: ₹20 crore
- Persons with disabilities: Funding for special schools, distribution of artificial limbs and assistive devices, and rehabilitation programs
- Establishment of Transgender Welfare Board: ₹1 crore
Government’s Commitment to Justice, Respect, and Protection
Minister Rajwade emphasized that under CM Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, the government aims not only to implement welfare schemes but also to ensure justice, respect, and protection for every individual, including the most marginalized sections of society.
She reiterated that the state government works with a focus on service, sensitivity, and commitment to achieve comprehensive social development, strengthening the well-being of women, children, senior citizens, and differently-abled citizens across Chhattisgarh.
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