India, Oct. 29 -- For some women in Chhattisgarh, the monthly assistance under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is helping them do more than meet everyday household expenses. They are setting aside a part of the amount for crediting in Sukanya Samriddhi accounts for their daughters' education and future needs.

For Pramila Potami, a resident of Bodri village, saving for her daughter's education once seemed out of reach. The monthly assistance has enabled her to begin saving. "Our income is not such that we can save anything. The aid is a big support and the savings in the Sukanya account will help pay for my daughter's education."

Dantewada, in South Bastar, has historically been among the regions worst affected by Naxal violence. Potami's deci...