The dream of a developed Chhattisgarh will come true through women empowerment: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai

Our aim is to make women not only beneficiaries of schemes but also leaders in building a developed Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Shri Sai

Chief Minister attended the ‘Shakti Swaroopa’ programme in Shining Chhattisgarh and honoured women who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Over 68 lakh women get financial support through Mahatari Vandan Yojana, assistance of over Rs 20,700 crore in 32 installments

Exceeding the target, 1.4 million rural women have become ‘Lakhpati Didi’; women are moving towards self-reliance through self-help groups.

421 schools closed due to Naxal violence reopen in Bastar, girls’ education and secure future top priority

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has said that Chhattisgarh’s women power is the state’s greatest strength and women’s empowerment is a strong foundation for building a developed Chhattisgarh. Making women economically self-reliant, along with advancing them in the fields of education, health, security, employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership, are among the state government’s top priorities. Our goal is not just to make women beneficiaries of government schemes, but to make them active participants and leaders in the development journey of their families, society, and the state.

Chief Minister Shri Sai was addressing the Shining Chhattisgarh “Shakti Swaroopa” program organized by Hindi Khabar in the capital Raipur today. The Chief Minister honored and interacted with women who have brought glory to the state by making significant contributions in various fields.

Extending his best wishes for Sharadiya Navratri, the Chief Minister said that in our eternal culture, women are considered the embodiment of power. Navratri is a grand festival dedicated to the worship of the mother power. Our tradition holds that where women are respected, gods reside there. Embracing this sentiment, the state government is continuously working for the respect, security, self-reliance, and bright future of women.

*Mother’s struggle and values ​​taught me the importance of service and sensitivity*

Chief Minister Shri Sai, sharing his life experiences, said that he was born into a simple farming family. After losing his father in his childhood, he witnessed his mother managing the family and farming amidst many difficulties. Even in difficult circumstances, his mother ensured no shortage in the children’s education and values.
The Chief Minister said that his mother’s struggle, service spirit, faith in eternal values, and dedication to family deeply influenced his personality. He drew inspiration for public service and sensitivity to the needy from his family, and especially from his mother. Today, even as Chief Minister, he continues to carry forward those same values.

*Mahtari Vandan increased women’s self-confidence and economic independence*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana has become an important medium for positive change in the lives of the state’s mothers and sisters. Under the scheme, more than 6.8 million women are receiving financial assistance of one thousand rupees per month. So far, more than 20,700 crore rupees have been transferred directly to women’s accounts in 32 installments.

He said that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is not just a financial assistance scheme. This amount has given women financial independence for their small needs, while also strengthening their participation and confidence in family decision-making. Women are using this amount for children’s education, medicines, nutrition, household needs, and savings.

The Chief Minister said that the government is striving to ensure that no eligible woman is deprived of the benefits of the scheme. The cases of eligible women who have not received benefits due to technical reasons, errors related to documents, Aadhaar, or bank accounts are being examined and necessary solutions are being found.

*Achievement almost double the target, 14 lakh women became Lakhpati Didi*

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that providing regular financial support to women and connecting them with sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship is the government’s priority. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, Chhattisgarh has achieved remarkable success, surpassing the target set. Against a target of 7.82 lakh, 1.4 million rural women have become Lakhpati Didis. 32.39 lakh rural families in the state are engaged in economic activities through association with 2.98 lakh self-help groups. Women in these groups are being linked to various livelihood activities, including agriculture-based businesses, food processing, handicrafts, minor forest produce, dairy, mushroom production, millet processing, tailoring, and readymade garment manufacturing.

The Chief Minister said that special attention is being paid to the quality of women’s products, improved packaging, branding, and market access. Our effort is to ensure that women in Chhattisgarh not only engage in self-employment but also become successful entrepreneurs and are in a position to provide employment to others.

481 Mahatari Sadans will become centres for activities of women’s groups.

The Chief Minister informed that approval has been given for the construction of 481 Mahtari Sadans in the state to provide better facilities for women’s self-help groups and community activities. These Mahtari Sadans will become important centers for activities aimed at social and economic empowerment of rural women. He informed that through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, LPG connections have been provided to 39.73 lakh women in the state. A budget provision of Rs. 15 crore has been made for the Rani Durgavati Yojana, under which eligible girls are provided assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakh upon attaining the age of 18 years.

*The light of education has returned to Bastar; 421 schools closed due to Naxal violence have reopened*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the government is continuously expanding educational opportunities to ensure that distance, poverty, or insecurity do not become obstacles to any daughter’s dreams. Quality education facilities are being provided through hostels, ashrams, residential schools, and Prayas institutions, especially in remote tribal areas. He said that due to prolonged Naxal violence in Bastar, the education system in many villages was affected and schools were closed. With the establishment of peace and trust, the state government has reopened 421 such schools. The return of the hustle and bustle of children and the sound of studies in these schools after years is one of the most heartening images of a changing Bastar.

The Chief Minister said that Education Cities are being developed in remote areas like Orchha and Jagargunda, so that children, especially daughters, from tribal areas do not have to go far away from their families and villages for quality education.

*Healthy women lead to healthy families and healthy Chhattisgarh*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government has made women and child health a top priority. Anganwadi services are being strengthened to ensure better health and nutrition for pregnant women, mothers, adolescent girls, and children. Continuous efforts are being made for regular health checkups for pregnant women, child nutrition, and the prevention of anemia among adolescent girls.
He informed that approximately 2.49 crore Ayushman cards have been issued in the state under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. 6.21 lakh Vaya-Vandana cards have been issued for senior citizens aged 70 and above.

The Chief Minister said that the government is particularly focused on increasing access to quality health services in remote tribal areas. Health facilities are being continuously expanded with the goal that economic conditions or the distance to the village should not become a barrier to a woman’s treatment.

*New opportunities will open up for women in IT, AI and modern industries*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that given the rapidly changing economy and employment landscape, it is essential to connect women with future technologies and modern industries, along with traditional livelihoods. The state’s new industrial policy provides special encouragement to women’s employment and self-employment. The government is placing special emphasis on creating new opportunities for women in various sectors, including information technology, artificial intelligence, education, medicine, food processing, and textiles.
He emphasized that women’s empowerment does not simply mean economic self-reliance. Equal participation of women in decision-making and leadership is equally important. Women should have greater leadership opportunities, from panchayats and local bodies to administration and entrepreneurship. Women collectors are leading administrations in various districts of the state, an inspiring example of a changing and empowered Chhattisgarh.

*Daughters of Chhattisgarh are increasing the pride of the state in sports*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that today the daughters of Chhattisgarh are bringing glory to the state on national and international sports platforms. The state government is committed to ensuring that no talented athlete has to compromise on their dreams due to lack of resources, training, or financial difficulties. He said that Gyaneshwari Yadav, who brought glory to the country at the Commonwealth Games, has been promoted to the post
of DSP and given an honorarium of Rs 30 lakh. Sanju Devi Rawat of Korba district played a key role in the golden achievements of the Indian women’s kabaddi team. The state government has provided her with an incentive of Rs 50 lakh. Kiran Pisada of Chhattisgarh has been selected for the Indian senior women’s football team. She trained at the residential girls’ football academy in Raipur.

The Chief Minister said that events like the Bastar Olympics, Surguja Olympics, and Khelo India Tribal Games are providing new opportunities for girls from rural and tribal areas to showcase their talents. A provision of ₹100 crore has been made for the Sports Excellence Mission in the 2026-27 budget.

Daughters should dream big, the government is with them to provide opportunities.

Chief Minister Shri Sai urged the state’s youth to dream big and work hard to achieve them. He said that today’s Chhattisgarh is a state full of possibilities. Youth should identify their interests and abilities and focus on skill development along with education. He said
that vast employment and self-employment opportunities are emerging in digital technology, emerging industries, agriculture-based businesses, food processing, dairy, forest produce, tourism, and the service sector. The government is continuously strengthening the skill development and training system to connect youth and women with these new opportunities.

Chhattisgarh will become developed and prosperous with the participation of women power.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the true strength of Chhattisgarh lies in its mothers, sisters, and daughters. The festival of Navratri, while worshipping Shakti, also inspires us to support the weak and needy in society.
He said that the state government is working with a resolve to empower the poor, women, farmers, and youth. The dream of a developed and prosperous Chhattisgarh will only be realized by ensuring women’s education, safety, health, and economic self-reliance, as well as by increasing their participation in decision-making and leadership.

The Chief Minister said that only when our mothers and sisters will be self-reliant, our daughters will be educated and capable and will play a leadership role in the development of the state, the resolution of ‘Developed Chhattisgarh’ will achieve its fulfillment.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, Cabinet Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, Hindi Khabar Bureau Head Ms. Nisha Dwivedi along with public representatives, dignitaries and a large number of women were present.