Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually launched the Mahtari Vandan Yojana from Kashi, Uttar Pradesh, and disbursed the first installment of Rs. 1,000 to 70,12,417 married women in Chhattisgarh.

The state government has disbursed an amount of Rs. 655.57 crore into the accounts of women in the state, an official statement said.

The Prime Minister stated: “This is Modi’s guarantee that the Chhattisgarh government will regularly transfer Rs. 1,000 into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries every month.”

He added: “I have dedicated the development projects worth Rs 35,000 crore to Chhattisgarh. It is my privilege to launch the Mahtari Vandan Yojana today, aimed at empowering women in the state.

"Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a promise was made to provide Rs 1,000 every month to more than 70 lakh women in Chhattisgarh. Today, the Chhattisgarh government has fulfilled its promise and disbursed Rs 655 crore under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana to the women beneficiaries across the state.”

Modi stated: “I should have been amongst 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.  "This money will continue to come into your accounts every month without any hassle. This is my trust in the Chhattisgarh government. When women are empowered, the whole family is empowered. The priority of the double-engine Chhattisgarh government is the welfare of our mothers and sisters.

"Today, women are the primary beneficiaries of various schemes, including the distribution of affordable cylinders through the Ujjwala Yojana, and over half of the Jan Dhan accounts are held by women.

"Additionally, more than 65 percent of Mudra loans have been acquired by women, particularly young women who have initiated their entrepreneurial ventures.”

He praised Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his team for swiftly implementing the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.

Sai and his cabinet colleagues were present at the event held at the Science College Ground in Raipur.