Ranchi- Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday transferred Rs 2,500 each to the bank accounts of over 56 lakh women across the state, marking the December installment under the ‘Maiya Samman Yojana’. The initiative, aimed at empowering women through financial self-reliance, saw a total of Rs 1,415.44 crore disbursed to 56,61,791 women.

Ranchi's Namkum Khojatoli Ground hosted a grand event attended by around two hundred thousand women from across the state to mark the occasion. During the event, CM Soren highlighted the scheme's significance, stating, “This initiative is a significant step towards making women financially self-reliant. I am pleased to fulfill the promises made by our government before the elections.”

Launched five months ago, the ‘Maiya Samman Yojana’ initially provided a monthly installment of Rs 1,000. The amount was later increased to Rs 2,500 per month following a Cabinet decision. CM Soren emphasized the government's commitment to women's empowerment, stating, “The vision of holistic development cannot be realised unless men and women walk shoulder to shoulder. This initiative aims to empower women and bring them to the forefront.”

The Chief Minister also used the platform to criticize the Opposition for their initial skepticism about the scheme's funding. He remarked, "When we started with Rs 1,000 per month dole, we were ridiculed. When we announced that the amount would be increased to Rs 2,500, the Opposition questioned the feasibility. Today, we have proved them wrong.”

Soren urged women to actively participate in the state's development and utilize the funds for their well-being and their children's future. He also expressed gratitude for their support during the elections, stating, “We have formed the government with your blessings, and our priority is to ensure your self-reliance and development.”

Jharkhand’s Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore, Minister Chamra Linda, and MLA Kalpana Soren were among those who addressed the event.