Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is set to transfer around Rs 500 crore directly to the bank accounts of nearly 5,00000 landless agricultural laborer families through the Deendayal Upadhyay Landless Agricultural Laborer Welfare Scheme. This initiative, happening in Balodabazar, signifies the state’s dedication to supporting vulnerable rural communities. Under this scheme, eligible families receive Rs 10,000 annually directly into their bank accounts.
In the state’s Sankalp Budget for 2026-27, a provision of Rs 600 crore has been allocated to ensure maximum assistance to those in need. Over 4,95000 eligible families will benefit from a total allocation of Rs 495 crore 96 lakh and 50 thousand rupees. The direct disbursement of funds eliminates intermediaries, ensuring that beneficiaries receive the full intended amount without any deductions.
The scheme extends beyond agricultural laborers to include other landless families involved in the rural economy, such as forest produce collectors, herdsmen, carpenters, blacksmiths, cobblers, barbers, and traditional service providers like washermen. It also encompasses priests residing in Scheduled Areas and families from the Baiga Gunia and Manjhi communities, with a specific focus on 22,028 Baiga and Gunia families.
The annual assistance under the scheme has been increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000 per year, offering more substantial support for educational, healthcare, and daily living expenses. Raipur district leads in beneficiary numbers with 53,338 families, followed by Bilaspur with 39,401 and Mahasamund with 37,011 families. Conversely, Bijapur, Koriya, and Narayanpur have the lowest numbers of beneficiaries.
All beneficiaries have undergone e-KYC verification to ensure transparency and prompt fund transfers. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasizes that the scheme’s objective transcends financial aid, aiming to boost the income of landless families, foster economic self-reliance, and integrate them into society.
