Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Apr 11: A slew of welfare schemes launched by the Narendra Modi-led Central government is bringing about transformative change in the lives of citizens across Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. From financial inclusion and housing to food security and women’s empowerment, residents say the impact is both visible and life-changing.

Beneficiaries of flagship programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana shared their stories of resilience and revival.

Among them is Vaishali Deepak Kadve, a tailoring entrepreneur who turned her fortunes around with a Rs 4.5 lac loan under the Mudra scheme. “Before this, I was working for others. Thanks to support from local social workers, I received the loan without paying any bribe. I now run my own shop, employ other women, and get regular orders from companies. Our household is running smoothly,” she said.

For senior citizen Bhagwat Tukaram Nikalje, the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has been nothing short of a lifeline. “For seven years now, I’ve received 10 kg of wheat and 15 kg of rice every month. My Jan Dhan account also ensures my old age pension reaches me directly. I don’t have to depend on anyone,” he shared.

The Jan Dhan Yojana has particularly empowered women by bringing them into the formal banking system. Nikita Rajendra, a domestic worker, highlighted how it changed their financial habits. “Earlier, we saved money in unsafe places or informal groups. Now we have our own accounts and ATM cards. Government funds come directly to us,” she said, adding that other schemes like Ladki Behan Yojana are also routed through her Jan Dhan account.

Echoing her view, Ranjana Govinda thanked the government for making banking accessible to women from underprivileged sections.

Another major success story is that of Narayan Sudam Bhagwat, a washerman who benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. “We lived in a stone house with a tin roof. Water would pour in during rains. With aid from PMAY and some of my own savings, I built a proper house and even set up my washing shop there. No bribes were paid,” he noted.

In the New Hanuman Colony, Usha Vilas is one among many whose lives changed through the Ujjwala Yojana. “Earlier, I had to wait in long queues for kerosene, and when that ran out, I used firewood, which caused health issues. Now, with a gas connection, cooking is faster and safer,” she said. Her daughter added that they received free LPG cylinders during the Covid-19 lockdown and now enjoy doorstep delivery with the help of mobile bookings.

These ground realities in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar reflect a broader shift toward transparency, dignity, and empowerment. Locals affirm that unlike earlier times, the benefits now reach them without bribes or bureaucratic delays.

For the people here, the Central government’s welfare schemes are not just administrative achievements—they are instruments of real, meaningful change.