Historic Budget Dedicated to Women Power in ‘Mahtari Gaurav Varsh’: Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade

A Strong Foundation for Women’s Safety, Dignity and Self-Reliance

₹1.50 lakh assistance for daughters under the Rani Durgavati Scheme
Women entrepreneurship to be promoted through the Chief Minister Lakhpati Didi Tourism Scheme

Raipur, February 2026 : After the presentation of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Budget for the year 2026–27, Minister for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade, described it as a historic and visionary budget that translates the resolve of ‘Mahtari Gaurav Varsh’ into reality.

She said the budget presented by Finance Minister Mr. O. P. Choudhary, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, is dedicated to the honour, safety and economic empowerment of women.

Mrs. Rajwade stated that this budget is not merely a document of figures, but a concrete roadmap to strengthen the confidence of the state’s mothers, sisters and daughters. By placing women’s and girls’ education, health, nutrition, safety and economic self-reliance at the core of policymaking, the government has sent a clear message of inclusive development.

A New Dimension to Women Entrepreneurship

The minister informed that a provision of ₹5 crore has been made for the Chief Minister Lakhpati Didi Tourism Scheme. Through this scheme, women associated with self-help groups will get opportunities to study successful livelihood models within the state and across the country, along with training and skill upgradation. This initiative will accelerate the rural economy and give a fresh direction to women entrepreneurship.

Building a Safe and Empowering Social Framework

To create a secure, supportive and motivating environment for women, ₹75 crore has been allocated for the construction of 250 Mahtari Sadan. These centres will be developed as hubs for women’s dialogue, training, counselling and social support, providing empowered platforms for women in both rural and urban areas.

Strengthening Nutrition and Early Education

An allocation of ₹42 crore has been made for the construction of 500 new Anganwadi centres in the state. This will ensure improved nutrition, healthcare services and early education facilities for children, adolescent girls and pregnant women. The government aims to further strengthen its campaign against malnutrition through this initiative.

Financial Support for Daughters’ Future

Highlighting the Rani Durgavati Scheme, Mrs. Rajwade said that eligible girls will receive financial assistance of ₹1.50 lakh upon attaining the age of 18 years. This support will prove to be a significant step towards higher education, skill development and a self-reliant life. She noted that this initiative will serve as a strong foundation for the dignity and secure future of daughters.

Concrete Steps Towards Social Justice and Inclusive Development

Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade said, “Mahtari Gaurav Varsh is not merely a celebration, but a commitment to the dignity, rights and empowerment of mothers and daughters. This budget reflects the government’s dedication to social justice, equal opportunities and sensitive governance.”

She expressed confidence that this budget will give Chhattisgarh a new identity at the national level in the field of women empowerment and pave the way for positive transformation in the lives of millions of women and girls in the years to come.