Mon Jan 06 22:07:00 UTC 2025: ## Jharkhand Chief Minister Transfers Millions to Women Under Empowerment Scheme
**Ranchi, Jharkhand –** Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday disbursed ₹1,415.44 crore to over 5.6 million women under the Maiya Samman Yojana. This initiative, a key election promise of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc, provides a monthly payment of ₹2,500 to women aged 18-50. The December installment was transferred on Monday, with the January payment to follow later this month.
The scheme, which increased payments from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500, is credited with contributing significantly to the INDIA bloc’s victory in the recent Assembly elections, where they secured 56 out of 81 seats.
Chief Minister Soren highlighted the scheme’s potential to boost household incomes, particularly in rural areas, emphasizing women’s crucial role in family welfare. He cited global studies demonstrating the positive impact of women-controlled cash transfers on health, education, and nutrition. The initiative also aims to bring millions of women into the formal banking system for the first time.
Soren expressed satisfaction with the scheme’s national attention, noting that other states are considering similar programs. He stressed the importance of gender equality in state development, vowing to address challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and malnutrition. He also criticized banks for their alleged lack of support for Jharkhand’s development and urged them to improve their services.
First Piper 