The love and blessings of my sisters are priceless to me: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai

Heartfelt celebration of Raksha Bandhan at the Chief Minister’s residence; mothers and sisters from various regions tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that the respect, security and economic empowerment of sisters are the top priorities of our government.

Mahatari Vandan provides financial support to 68 lakh women, 13.85 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didi.

Drone Didi, E-Rickshaw Didi and the sisters of self-help groups are becoming the new identity of self-reliant Chhattisgarh.

The festival of Rakshabandhan was celebrated today at the Chief Minister’s residence in an atmosphere of warmth, affection, and joy. Mothers and sisters from various walks of life tied Rakhis on the wrists of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, offering him their love and blessings. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai warmly welcomed all the sisters, saying that their affection is priceless to him, and that their blessings further strengthen his resolve to serve the state.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that Raksha Bandhan is a sacred festival of unwavering love, trust, and intimacy between a brother and a sister. By tying a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, a sister wishes him a happy and prosperous life, while the brother pledges to respect, protect, and always stand by his sister in her joys and sorrows.

The Chief Minister said, “It is a day of great fortune for me that all of you sisters from different walks of life have come to the Chief Minister’s residence to celebrate the sacred festival of Rakshabandhan. Your affection and blessings inspire me to work with even greater dedication for the welfare of the mothers and sisters of the state.”

At the event, Mrs. Sarla Dubey, wife of the late Colonel Ashok Kumar Dubey, tied a Rakhi to Chief Minister Mr. Sai. Recalling this intimate moment, the Chief Minister said that the late Colonel Ashok Kumar Dubey was the first soldier from Chhattisgarh to join the Army. Having his wife, Mrs. Dubey, tie a Rakhi is a particularly emotional and proud moment for him.

In the programme, Savita Didi and Smriti Didi of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwari University, Mrs. Savitri Jaiswal, Padmashree Dr. Usha Barle, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Women Commission Mrs. Mamta Sahu, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Ms. Mona Sen along with women journalists, sisters of self-help groups, Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, E-rickshaw Didi, Team Prahari, women from various communities and disabled sisters tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister.

Rakhi adorned on the wrists of soldiers reflects respect for the nation

Referring to the ‘Sneh Ki Dor’ programme organised in the capital Raipur, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that it was a very pleasant experience to link the festival of Rakshabandhan with the feeling of respect and gratitude towards the soldiers dedicated to the security of the country and the state.

He said that women from self-help groups, disabled women, and women from the families of martyred soldiers expressed their affection and respect by tying Rakhi on the wrists of approximately 1,600 soldiers from various security forces, including the CRPF, BSF, CISF, and ITBP. Our soldiers, even on festivals, remain away from their families and discharge their responsibility to protect the country and the state. It is our responsibility to express respect for such brave soldiers.

Chief Minister lauds women journalists for their courage and dedication

Chief Minister Shri Sai, while specially welcoming the women journalists present at the event, said that journalism is a work of courage, sensitivity, and responsibility. Our women journalists are fulfilling their responsibilities under many challenging circumstances and keeping society informed about developments in the country and the world.

Sharing an intimate incident, the Chief Minister said that while returning from his Delhi visit this morning, his journalist sister Jigyasa expressed her affection by tying a Rakhi to him at the airport.

The Chief Minister said that today, self-help group sisters, Lakhpati sisters, Drone sisters, E-rickshaw sisters, Setting Plate sisters, and Mitanin sisters are setting new examples of women’s empowerment in their respective areas. The 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayat elections has further strengthened women’s role in local leadership. Today, many Sarpanch sisters are giving new direction to village development through their leadership and innovation.

Mahatari Vandan Yojana boosted the confidence of women

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that economic empowerment of women is a top priority of the government. To this end, approximately 6.8 million women in the state are being provided financial assistance of one thousand rupees per month through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.

He said that so that the mothers and sisters of the state can celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan with enthusiasm and joy, an amount of more than Rs 631 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of the sisters as the 31st installment of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana on August 25, before the scheduled time.

The Chief Minister said that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is not just a financial assistance scheme, but has also boosted women’s self-confidence. Women are using this money for their basic needs, children’s education, health, savings, and livelihood activities.

Chhattisgarh surpasses target, 13.85 lakh women become Lakhpati Didi

Chief Minister Sai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to make the country’s women economically self-reliant and empower them as “Lakhpati Didis.” The goal is to make 60 million women across the country Lakhpati Didis.

He said that Chhattisgarh had a target of making 800,000 women Lakhpati Didis, but the state has exceeded this target and has made 1.385 million women Lakhpati Didis in the last two years. This is a testament to the hard work, confidence, and entrepreneurship of the mothers and sisters of Chhattisgarh.

Referring to the Drone Didi scheme, the Chief Minister said that village women are now engaging with modern technology. They are increasing their income by spraying fertilizers and pesticides in the fields using drones. Spraying generates an income of approximately 300 rupees per acre, and by working on 20 to 25 acres, Drone Didis are earning 6 to 7 thousand rupees per day.

E-rickshaws and setting plates are opening up new avenues for self-reliance.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that women are being empowered not only as beneficiaries of schemes but also as strong partners in economic activities and the development process. Self-help group members are now venturing into new areas in addition to traditional livelihood activities.

He said that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, housing construction is underway on a large scale in the state, with approximately 1,600 houses being built every day. Women from self-help groups are earning good incomes by engaging in the business of sintering plates used in the construction of these houses.

Referring to the e-rickshaw sisters, the Chief Minister said that 92 e-rickshaw sisters in Naya Raipur are setting a new example of self-reliance. He added that during his visit to Jashpur, on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, e-rickshaws were provided to 50 sisters in his village, Bagiya. For these sisters, e-rickshaws are becoming not just a means of transportation, but a means of respectable livelihood and economic self-reliance.

New industrial policy provides special incentives to women entrepreneurs

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the government’s goal is to empower the state’s women economically so that they can establish their own enterprises and provide employment to others. Regular deposits into women’s bank accounts under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana have strengthened their financial credibility, and banks are stepping up to provide them with business loans.

He said that a 50 percent discount on registration fees is being offered for land registrations in women’s names. In the last two and a half years, approximately 30,000 women have been registered.

The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh’s new Industrial Development Policy provides special concessions and incentives for women entrepreneurs. The state has so far received investment proposals worth approximately ₹8.50 lakh crore. He urged women to study the provisions of the Industrial Policy and pursue entrepreneurship.

He said that the government wants that the sisters of Chhattisgarh should not be limited to jobs and self-employment, but should become successful entrepreneurs and play an important role in the economic development of the state.

With the end of Naxalism, a new chapter of peace and development opens in Bastar.

Chief Minister Sai said that Naxalism had long been a major obstacle to Chhattisgarh’s development. With the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the strong will of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the indomitable courage of the security forces, and the cooperation of the people of the region, decisive success has been achieved against Naxalism.

He said that areas once plagued by violence and fear are now witnessing a new dawn of peace, trust, and development. The government is rapidly expanding road, education, health, communication, and livelihood services to ensure that areas left outside the mainstream of development receive the full benefits of government programs.

Referring to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Chief Minister said that terrorists destroyed the vermillion (sindoor) of many sisters, but India responded firmly against terrorism. He said that today’s India is a strong nation that believes in peace, does not provoke anyone, but also knows how to give a befitting reply to those who challenge the country’s security and self-respect.

The role of women is important in building a developed Chhattisgarh.

Chief Minister Sai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to make India a developed nation by the year 2047. In keeping with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’, Chhattisgarh is also playing an important role in building a developed India.

He said that Chhattisgarh is a state rich in natural and mineral resources, forest wealth, fertile land, and natural beauty. The simplicity, ease, and cordiality of its people have earned them the reputation of “Chhattisgarhi is the best” across the country.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the dream of a developed Chhattisgarh cannot be realized without the empowerment of women. The government is committed to ensuring that every mother and sister in the state receives respect and security, becomes economically self-reliant, and has full opportunities to advance according to their abilities and talents.

Extending his best wishes to all the mothers and sisters of the state on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, he said that the love, trust, and blessings of sisters are the strength of the government. Only through the power of women will strong families, a prosperous society, and a developed Chhattisgarh be created.