Gram Vikas Chaupal: CM Bhajanlal Sharma Calls Rajivika a Model of Women Empowerment; Highlights “Lakhpati Didi” as Symbol of Self-Reliance

Jaipur, May 2026 : Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Wednesday interacted with women associated with Rajivika during the Gram Vikas Chaupal programme held in Churada village of Kushalgarh in Banswara district. He said that Rajivika has emerged as a model of women empowerment, enabling rural women to engage in business activities worth lakhs and crores, thereby bringing a significant social transformation in rural areas along with generating employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is working with commitment towards the upliftment of women, youth, farmers and labourers in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that improvement in the living standards of these sections is essential for the development of villages, tehsils, districts, the state and the nation as a whole.

Highlighting central government initiatives, Sharma said that several schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, household toilets, Ujjwala Yojana, Har Ghar Jal, and Jan Dhan accounts have significantly improved the socio-economic condition of women and girls. He also noted that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, providing 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, is a major step towards women-led development.

The Chief Minister said that under the “double engine government,” continuous efforts are being made for women’s welfare. He highlighted schemes such as free sonography services under Maa Voucher Yojana, distribution of over 13 lakh cycles and 44,000 scooters to girls, increase in financial assistance under Matru Vandana Yojana from ₹5,000 to ₹6,500, and the Lado Protsahan Yojana, under which a savings bond of ₹1.5 lakh is provided at the birth of a girl child. He also mentioned that more than 10 crore sanitary napkins have been distributed free of cost to women and girls.

Sharma said that the “Lakhpati Didi Yojana” is continuously improving the economic condition of women and has become a symbol of self-reliance. He informed that over 22 lakh women have been trained under the scheme, out of which more than 17 lakh women have already become “Lakhpati Didis.” He encouraged women to join self-help groups and help others become financially independent through collective efforts.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also distributed cheques to women self-help groups and directed officials to establish a CLF training centre and a packaging unit for women’s products in Banswara. He also announced support for infrastructure development based on demands raised by women representatives.

Local tribal artists welcomed the Chief Minister with traditional folk performances, while he was also presented with tribal attire and a bow-and-arrow as a gesture of honour.

Several ministers, MLAs, public representatives, officials, and a large number of women and villagers were present at the event.

Women associated with Rajivika also shared their success stories, highlighting how the initiative has helped them gain financial independence and social recognition through small businesses, banking services, and self-help group activities.