Raipur, Sept. 18 -- For thousands of women in Chhattisgarh, a Rs 1,000 monthly payment under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is becoming more than household support. Combined with access to credit, self-help groups and livelihood opportunities, the regular assistance is helping women build stable sources of income.

Since November 2024, under the Mahatari Shakti Rin Yojana, around 41,124 beneficiaries have availed collateral-free self-employment loans worth Rs 102.38 crore. The scheme supplements the Mahatari Vandan Yojana and is aimed at helping small-scale livelihoods expand.

"Loans under the scheme help women engaged in vegetable vending, artisanal work and other small-scale livelihoods expand their businesses and strengthen their househol...