Jharkhand Women Still Await Increased Rs 2,500 Under Hemant Soren's Maiya Samman Yojana, Rs 18,000 Crore Burden On State

Despite the assurance given by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress government to deposit an increased amount of Rs 2,500 under the 'Maiya Samman Yojana' into their bank accounts on 11 December, about 55 lakh women across Jharkhand are still anticipating the financial aid.

A 26-year old beneficiary from Hazaribagh was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express, "I have received Rs 1,000 for four months, but the increased amount as promised by the government ahead of the elections, is yet to be credited in my bank account."

She confirmed having received a message on mobile that the payment for December will be given next week. According to government sources, the funds transfer is set to take place on 28 December at a large-scale event in Ranchi.

The event will be attended by approximately 7 lakh women from all over the state. Instructions have been given to all deputy commissioners to arrange bus transportation for the women to and from capital Ranchi.

The state finance minister has notably acknowledged the difficulty in securing funds for the key women assistance program, which plans to increase the amount distributed to the recipients starting from December.

The minister explained that the combination of a growing number of beneficiaries each day and the increased sum of Rs 2,500 is expected to burden the treasury with approximately Rs 18,000 crore.

The government is currently formulating plans to boost its revenue by enhancing collections, particularly from the mining, excise, and revenue departments. The financial aid was raised to Rs 2,500 from Rs 1,000 ahead of the assembly elections.

The Hemant Soren Government's flagship initiative, 'Mukhyamantri Mainiya Samman Yojana,' provides monthly financial aid of Rs 1,000 to women aged between 21 and 50 years directly into their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Government statistics reveal that 55.25 lakh women have enrolled for the program, with Ranchi contributing 65,000 to this total.

Poll experts have attributed the Maiya Samman Yojana, introduced by the Soren government prior to the elections, as a significant factor in JMM's successful retention of power with a larger mandate. This is potentially the strongest performance by any party or leader since Jharkhand was established.