2023-24 budget reflects state’s commitment to the well-being of women, children, and the elderly
Raipur: The budget for the year 2023-24, presented by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, includes initiatives that demonstrate sensitivity towards the welfare of women, children, and the elderly. Additionally, he has placed special emphasis on addressing the needs of the homeless, disabled individuals, widows, abandoned women, and the transgender community.
Increase in monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers and assistants
Fulfilling the demands of Anganwadi workers and assistants, chief minister Baghel has made provisions in the budget to increase the monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers employed in 46,660 Anganwadi centers operated across the state for the purpose of nutrition and vaccination for women and children. The monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers has been increased from Rs 6,500 to Rs 10,000, while the honorarium for Anganwadi assistants has been increased from Rs 3,250 to Rs 5,000 and the honorarium for Mini Anganwadi workers has been increased from Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,500 per month. This provision in the budget has doubled the joy of Holi for Anganwadi workers and helpers, as well as Mini Anganwadi workers across the state. There is a wave of happiness among the women associated with Anganwadi across the state.
CM announced doubling of financial assistance under Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana
Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has announced in the budget an increase in the amount of financial assistance provided under the ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana’ for the marriage of girls from economically weaker families, raising it from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000. This move is aimed at providing financial support to these families. A provision of Rs 38 crore has been made in the budget for this purpose.
“Kaushalya Samriddhi Yojana”: A new scheme for women’s employment
The budget also includes provisions for new schemes aimed at economic prosperity and promoting the self-employment of women. The announcement has been made to start the “Kaushalya Samriddhi Yojana” to provide employment to women. A provision of Rs 25 crores has been made for this in the new budget.
Age limit increased for children leaving childcare institutions
In the budget, an announcement has also been made to increase the age limit for children leaving childcare institutions from 18 to 21 years, and a provision has been made for the Mukhyamantri Bal Uday Yojana to provide resettlement for youth leaving these institutions. A provision of Rs one crore has been made for this in the budget. Additionally, a provision of Rs 5 crore has been made for the launch of the Unified Digital Application Scheme.
Provisions for Infrastructure, Nutrition, and Child Development
In the budget, chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has made provisions for resettlement and employment, as well as nutrition, child development, and infrastructure development. A provision of Rs 12 crore has been made for 100 Anganwadis in urban areas, Rs 160 crore for the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana, Rs 8 crore for the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Yojana, Rs 844 crore for the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme, and Rs 124 crore for the Integrated Child Protection Scheme.
Relief for destitute, elderly, disabled, widows, and abandoned women
Chief minister Baghel has made a major announcement for the destitute, elderly, disabled, widows, and abandoned women by increasing the monthly pension amount under the Social Security Pension Scheme from Rs 350 to Rs 500 per month. This will provide much-needed support to them.
“Nava Pilhar Yojana” announced to support transgender inclusion
Chief minister has announced a new initiative to launch the ‘Nava Pilhar Yojana’ to assist transgender persons in teaching training and the preparation of competitive examinations for employment. A provision of Rs 25 lakh has been made for this purpose in the budget.
Establishment of ‘Siyan Helpline Centre’
Establishment of ‘Siyan Helpline Centre’ and Toll-Free Number for online solutions to the problems of senior citizens, transgender persons, widows, and disabled persons. A provision of Rs one crore has been made in the new budget.
In this historic budget, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has allocated Rs 2,675 crore for the Women and Child Development Department and Rs 1,125 crore for the Social Welfare Department. He has made extensive provisions for the needy and vulnerable sections of society, including children, the elderly, women, and other underprivileged groups.
