Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren transfers Rs 1415 crore to 5661791 women

Ranchi, January 6: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren transferred over Rs 1,415.44 crore to the accounts of 56.62 lakh women under the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during a program organized in Ranchi on Monday.

Each beneficiary received Rs 2,500 as a monthly allowance for December and January.

The funds, initially scheduled for transfer on December 11, were later postponed to December 22–23 and then to December 28. However, further delays occurred due to the cancellation of all government programs until January 1 following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Addressing a gathering of women from all 24 districts of Jharkhand, Soren stated that the scheme would empower women to move forward independently and fulfill their dreams.

“Our government helps the poor in many ways and strives to provide social security. However, you were unable to dream independently for your family, children, farming, and employment. Today, we have created a system that allows you to achieve your dreams, giving you control over your future,” Soren remarked.

The Chief Minister emphasized that women could now purchase nutritious food, including meat and fish, and address anemia concerns. He encouraged them to buy books, stationery, clothes, or even gas cylinders with the funds.

“This money will help you avoid selling food grains in emergencies or other hardships,” Soren said.

The Chief Minister further noted that complaints about people selling bicycles provided to children due to financial constraints would now be a thing of the past.

He asserted that in the future, no government could ignore women and expect to return to power in this country. The attendees expressed gratitude to Soren for the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, highlighting its impact on their daily lives.

“Earlier, we were dependent on our husbands or fathers-in-law, but now we can fulfill our needs independently by judiciously using the Rs 2,500 received in our bank accounts,” one woman said.

Notably, the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, a flagship program of the Hemant Soren government launched in August 2024, initially provided Rs 1,000 per month to women aged 21–50. In the lead-up to the Assembly elections, the amount was increased to Rs 2,500, boosting the scheme’s popularity.

“We are ready to touch new heights. The state, which underwent exploitation for decades, is now ready for a new flight,” Soren declared at the event.

The initiative has been widely credited for bolstering the electoral success of the INDIA bloc in Jharkhand. Launched last August, the scheme initially provided Rs 1,000 to women aged 18–50, covering approximately 56 lakh beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister proudly highlighted that the Maiya Samman Yojana has gained national recognition as an innovative step toward women’s empowerment. “Other states are looking to adopt this scheme as a model for women’s welfare. I am confident it will be a turning point in improving the status of women. Your respect and blessings strengthen our resolve to continue working for your progress,” he said.

Soren also criticized banks for their inadequate support to Jharkhand’s people. “The money deposited by the poor here is being utilized elsewhere, and the people are not receiving the assistance they need. Banks must change their approach and align with the needs of this state,” he added.