A New Chapter in Women’s Development in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Dec 2025 : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, Chhattisgarh has made transformative strides in women’s empowerment over the past two years, aligning with the vision of a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh. The state government has placed women’s dignity, safety, health, livelihood, and decision-making capacity at the core of its policies, establishing Chhattisgarh as a model on the national stage.

Empowerment and Self-Reliance at the Forefront
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai emphasizes that the goal is for every woman in Chhattisgarh to live a self-reliant, secure, and respected life. The initiatives of the past two years have laid a strong foundation for a developed and prosperous state, with women’s health, livelihood, security, and participation central to all government schemes.

Economic Empowerment through Mahatari Vandan Scheme
The ambitious Mahatari Vandan Scheme, virtually launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 10, 2024, provides direct financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to nearly 70 lakh married women. So far, ₹14,306.33 crore has been disbursed in 22 installments. An allocation of ₹5,500 crore further reinforces women’s nutrition, health, and economic stability, reflecting that women’s welfare is central to the state’s development journey.

Property Rights and Social Empowerment
Steps such as a 1% reduction in property registration fees have empowered women economically and socially. Additionally, 368 Mahatari Sadans have been approved to provide training, counseling, skill development, and supportive services under one roof. Online payments for Mitanin and Anganwadi worker allowances further strengthen transparency and good governance.

Opportunities for Rural and Marginalized Women
Self-help groups (SHGs) have been provided new opportunities, with ready-to-eat initiatives assigned to women’s groups in six districts—Bastar, Dantewada, Balodabazar, Korba, Raigarh, and Surajpur. Loans totaling ₹12,946.65 lakh were provided to 42,878 women’s groups, enhancing financial independence. Other initiatives, including the Chief Minister Noni Empowerment Scheme, sewing machine assistance, and Didi e-Rickshaw scheme, have created new livelihood options. The Mini Mata Mahatari Jatan program strengthens health, nutrition, and economic security for pregnant women workers.

Support for Girls and Entrepreneurship
The Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Scheme now deposits ₹35,000 directly into the bride’s account from the total ₹50,000 assistance. For 2024-25, ₹40 crore has been allocated for 8,000 weddings. Under NRLM, initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi, with ₹800 crore funding, are empowering women entrepreneurs and expanding women’s participation in the rural economy.

Safety and Health Initiatives
The Nawabihan scheme provides legal, medical, and psychosocial support to women facing domestic violence. Chhattisgarh became the first state to launch a digital version of the Sakhi One-Stop Center. Integrated operation of 181 women’s helplines and Dial 112 ensures rapid response in crises. The Sukhada Sahara scheme provides ₹500 per month to over 2.18 lakh widows and destitute women.

Adolescent Health and Education
Under the Shuchita scheme, 2,000 schools have been equipped with sanitary napkin vending machines, benefiting over 3 lakh adolescent girls. A ₹50 crore provision supports bicycles for high school girls. The Unity Mall in Nava Raipur, costing ₹200 crore, connects women’s products to national and international markets, while the Jashpyor brand of tribal women from Jashpur district gains global recognition.

Commitment and Future Vision
Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade highlighted that economic self-reliance, safety, and respect for women remain government priorities. With a budget allocation of ₹8,245 crore for 2025-26, the state underscores its topmost priority for women’s welfare and security. The past two years under Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai demonstrate that placing women at the center of development not only ensures good governance but also builds the foundation of a progressive society. Chhattisgarh is emerging as a symbol of new hope, opportunities, and transformative change in women’s empowerment.