Women are getting direct benefits of schemes Chief Minister shares vision for women empowerment, employment, tourism, industry and good governance A new chapter of peace, development and employment begins in Bastar Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai participated in the Emerging Chhattisgarh-Empowered Women, Prosperous State program. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai attended the “Emerging Chhattisgarh – Empowered Women, Prosperous State” program held in the capital Raipur today. On this occasion, he detailed the state government’s priorities on women’s empowerment, Bastar’s development, employment, industry, tourism, good governance, and social reforms. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh is not just a state, but a mother to all of us. It is the sacred birthplace of Mother Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram. Indian culture has a tradition of giving the highest respect to women. Referring to the Vedas, he said, “Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devata,” meaning that where women are respected, gods reside there. Mahatari Vandan Yojana brings smiles back to the faces of women Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is continuously working for the economic and social empowerment of women. Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, approximately 6.85 million married women in the state are receiving one thousand rupees per month directly into their bank accounts. So far, approximately 18,800 crore rupees have been transferred to women’s accounts through 29 installments. He said that when he visits villages, the confidence and satisfaction this scheme has brought is clearly visible on the faces of mothers and sisters. During conversations, mothers and sisters report that some have invested in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for their daughters’ future, some have started employment by purchasing sewing machines, and others have increased their income by opening grocery or vegetable shops. This is making mothers and sisters financially independent and increasing their participation in family decision-making. The mothers and sisters of Dansara village started the construction of Ram temple with the amount of Mahatari Vandan. Chief Minister Shri Sai informed that the mothers and sisters of Dansara village in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district have begun the construction of a temple for Lord Shri Ram by collecting funds received under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana. He said that this is a most inspiring example of this scheme, where women are also using this money to preserve society and culture. Over 30 lakh women joined self-help groups The Chief Minister said that 286,000 women’s self-help groups are active in the state, with approximately 3 million women associated with them. They are being linked to the Ready-to-Eat program and self-employment is being promoted by providing loans and other financial assistance. Bastar’s historic shift from Naxalism to development Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Bastar, which was affected by Naxal violence for four to five decades, is now rapidly progressing towards development. Peace has been established in Bastar under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the strong will of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the indomitable courage of the security forces, and the cooperation of the local people. He said that development schemes were also carried forward in parallel with the establishment of security camps. Previously, the benefits of schemes were available within a five-kilometer radius of the security camps, which has now been extended to ten kilometers. Government reaches more than 500 villages through ‘Niyad Nella Naar’ The Chief Minister informed that more than 500 villages have now been connected under the Niyada Nella Naar scheme. Benefits from more than 40 schemes from approximately 17 departments are being extended to these villages. People here are being provided with ration cards, Ayushman cards, and other essential documents. Health check-up of 36 lakh people He said that under the Chief Minister’s Healthy Bastar Campaign, approximately 3.6 million people underwent health checkups, and serious patients were referred to larger hospitals for better treatment. Meanwhile, through the Bastar Munne Yojana, officials are personally visiting remote villages and promptly resolving people’s problems. Bastar will become self-reliant through irrigation, agriculture and tourism The Chief Minister stated that the Deurgaon and Matnar irrigation projects are proposed on the Indravati River in Bastar, which will irrigate approximately 80,000 acres of land.He added that the Chitrakoot Falls, Kutumsar Caves, the vast forests of Abujhmad, and villages like Dhudmaras are establishing Bastar on the global tourism map. Homestays have also been included in the new industrial policy, under which loans and subsidies will be provided for the construction of homestays with up to five rooms. The Chief Minister said that local incomes are being increased through value addition of tamarind, mahua, myrobalan, baheda, custard apple, and medicinal forest produce. In villages like Netanar, women are being provided training in sewing, embroidery, packaging, and other livelihood-based activities through Seva Dera. The IIT team is also working to develop skills tailored to local needs. Strict laws against religious conversions are implemented. The Chief Minister said that religious conversion poses a serious challenge to society. After studying the laws of various states, the Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, has been implemented in Chhattisgarh. Under this, both the convert and the one receiving the conversion must follow the prescribed procedure. Strict action will be taken against those who convert through inducement, pressure, or fraud. Work is also progressing rapidly towards a Uniform Civil Code. He said that a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of retired judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai for the Uniform Civil Code and the state government is trying to make concrete progress in this direction by the upcoming winter assembly session. PSC scam investigation and government’s priority on employment The Chief Minister said that a CBI investigation into the PSC scam that occurred during the previous government’s tenure is ongoing, and action is being taken against the culprits. He added that the current government has provided employment to youth in various departments and will soon recruit 5,000 teachers. He said that it is not possible to provide government jobs to all youth, so large-scale employment is being created by promoting private investment and industries through the new industrial policy. In the last one and a half years, the state has received investment proposals worth more than 8 lakh crore rupees, which is expected to provide employment to millions of youth. Women shared their experiences At the event, Mrs. Meena Dewangan of Balodabazar district expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister for the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, stating that she had started a bangle business with the funds she received. Mrs. Saroj also said she was using the funds to pay her child’s school fees. Both women said the scheme had played a crucial role in strengthening their families’ financial situation. Post navigation MP Chief Secretary Anurag Jain Posted New CEO NITI AAYOG Initiative of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai: A coordinated strategy will be made for healthy mothers, healthy children and malnutrition-free Chhattisgarh.
