Implementation and Impact of Mahtari Vandan Yojana in Bastar District, Chhattisgarh

The Mahtari Vandan Yojana (MVY), launched by the Chhattisgarh government in 2024, is a women-centric welfare scheme aimed at providing financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to eligible married women to promote economic empowerment, gender equality, and improved health and nutrition. This research paper evaluates the implementation and impact of MVY in Bastar District, a region marked by socio-economic challenges and Naxalite insurgency. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis, the study assesses the scheme’s outreach, operational challenges, and socio-economic outcomes. Findings indicate significant improvements in women’s financial autonomy and household welfare, though issues like fraudulent registrations and limited banking infrastructure pose challenges. Recommendations for enhanced implementation are provided to maximize the scheme’s impact in Bastar.