Jharkhand women await Rs 2,500 payment under Maiya Samman Yojana as Govt faces Rs 18,000 Cr challenge

The Jharkhand government’s promise to deposit Rs 2,500 under the 'Maiya Samman Yojana' into the bank accounts of women beneficiaries remains unmet, with about 55 lakh women across the state still waiting for the increased financial assistance. The scheme, initially launched by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress government, originally provided Rs 1,000 per month to women aged between 21 and 50 years through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Ahead of the state assembly elections, the government announced an increase to Rs 2,500 per month as part of its electoral promise to empower women financially.

A 26-year-old beneficiary from Hazaribagh, Sangita Devi, reported that she has only received Rs 1,000 for the last four months. She further noted that she received a message on her mobile phone indicating that the payment for December will be credited next week.

According to government sources, the disbursement of the increased amount is now scheduled to take place on December 28 during a major event in Ranchi. The event will involve the presence of nearly 7 lakh women from across Jharkhand. Chief Minister Hemant Soren is expected to oversee the distribution of the Rs 2,500 installment to the beneficiaries. In order to ensure participation, all deputy commissioners have been instructed to arrange bus transportation for the women from various districts, including remote areas, to the event venue in Ranchi.

The Jharkhand government has acknowledged the financial challenges posed by the enhanced stipend. With the total number of beneficiaries rising and the monthly payment increased to Rs 2,500, the program is expected to cost the state exchequer around Rs 18,000 crore annually. To address the financial burden, the government is focusing on increasing revenue collection, especially from the mining, excise, and revenue departments, to meet the financial requirements of the program.

The 'Maiya Samman Yojana' aims to uplift the social and economic status of women, particularly in rural areas, by providing them with a consistent source of financial support. As of the latest government data, 55.25 lakh women have enrolled for the scheme, with 65,000 women from Ranchi alone. The scheme’s popularity surged after the announcement of the increased financial aid in the lead-up to the elections, contributing to the JMM-led alliance’s victory.

The Jharkhand government is committed to ensuring the scheme’s continuation and expansion despite the ongoing challenges related to fund allocation and beneficiary increase. The government’s focus remains on enhancing women’s economic independence and strengthening the rural economy by providing regular financial assistance through this flagship welfare program.