Women’s Empowerment Gets a Boost Under CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Jaipur, March 2026: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the state government is taking continuous steps to promote women’s self-reliance, strengthen their socio-economic status, and enhance women’s safety. In this year’s budget, several initiatives have been announced, including Rural Women BPOs, Raj Sakhi Stores, Amrit Poshan Vatika gardens, expansion of the Kishori Balika Scheme, and an increased loan limit under the Chief Minister Lakhpati Didi Loan Scheme, aimed at empowering women across the state.

The government’s efforts toward women’s empowerment and financial inclusion have already yielded results, with more than 1.6 million women in the state becoming “Lakhpati Didis.” To provide employment opportunities and financial support to women in rural areas, the government will establish Rural Women BPOs at the district level with an expenditure of ₹100 crore. Additionally, under the Chief Minister Lakhpati Didi Loan Scheme, the loan limit has been increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh, further encouraging women entrepreneurship.

50 New Enterprises and Financial Literacy Centres

Several innovations are being introduced through Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajeevika) to promote women’s self-reliance. Under this year’s budget announcement, buildings will be provided for 100 Cluster Level Federations organized under Rajeevika for office and operational purposes.

These offices will also host “Saksham Centres” aimed at improving digital and financial literacy among women. To strengthen the market presence of products made by self-help groups, the government will establish 50 new enterprises related to sectors such as dairy, textiles, footwear, millets, and spices, focusing on better branding, design, and packaging. The state government will also coordinate with national and international institutions to promote the sale of these products.

Raj Sakhi Stores and Banking Correspondent Sakhis

To further support women entrepreneurs, Raj Sakhi Stores will be set up at all divisional headquarters, enabling women associated with Rajeevika to develop and expand their enterprises. A Centre for Entrepreneurship and Capacity Building will also be established in districts in a phased manner.

Under the Chief Minister Nari Shakti Enterprise Promotion Scheme, the loan limit has been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. In addition, around 5,000 women from self-help groups will be trained and appointed as “Banking Correspondent Sakhis,” helping expand financial access in rural areas.

Nutrition Gardens and Support for Girls

To enhance livelihoods of women’s self-help groups, the government will develop 11,000 Amrit Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens). These gardens will supply fruits and vegetables locally for Anganwadi centres and school mid-day meals.

Anganwadi workers will also receive Early Childhood Care and Education training, while 1,000 Anganwadi workers will undergo specialized training at reputed institutions.

The Kishori Balika Scheme, currently implemented in aspirational districts such as Karauli, Dholpur, Baran, Jaisalmer, and Sirohi, will now be expanded to 27 aspirational blocks across the state, benefiting more than 50,000 adolescent girls with supplementary nutrition. Additionally, “Mukhyamantri Shishu-Vatsalya Sadan” childcare facilities will be opened in government offices to care for children aged six months to six years during office hours.

Strengthening Women’s Safety

Women’s safety remains a top priority for the state government. The number of Kalika Patrolling Units, which work to prevent harassment, domestic violence, and other crimes against women, will be increased from 500 to 600 in a phased manner.

Furthermore, women’s barracks will be developed in 100 police stations, and female security personnel and guides will be appointed to strengthen the Tourism Assistance Force for better safety and support to tourists.

Multiple Schemes Promoting Women’s Self-Reliance

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, women are being empowered through several schemes such as Mukhyamantri Suposhan Nutri-Kit, Lado Protsahan, Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Training and Skill Development, Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Enterprise Promotion, Solar Didi, and Lakhpati Didi.

These initiatives have strengthened women economically and increased their participation in decision-making processes. With continued government support, women are expected to play a significant role in the state’s economic progress and overall development.