Chhattisgarh Government Sets an Example in Empowering Women

Raipur, Sept 2025 : Chhattisgarh has always been a model for gender equality, but men traditionally held the upper hand in economic matters. With the coming of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai’s government, a path has opened to bridge this economic gap. Today, every mother and sister in Chhattisgarh is financially self-reliant and capable of making decisions for her own needs. Schemes like the Mahatari Vandan Yojana honor women for their labor and participation, while livelihood-based programs launched by the Sai government are paving the way for women’s entrepreneurship. By empowering half of the population, the Chief Minister has laid the foundation for a developed Chhattisgarh.

In just the past 19 months, Chhattisgarh has carved a new identity in the field of women’s empowerment. The state government has taken strong measures to strengthen women on economic, social, educational, and health fronts. Transparency in the implementation of schemes and quick delivery of benefits have given women the opportunity to become self-reliant.

Economic Self-Reliance – Mahatari Vandan Yojana

Launched on March 1, 2024, this ambitious scheme has revolutionized women’s economic empowerment. Married women receive ₹1,000 every month directly into their bank accounts. From March 2024 to September 2025, more than 69.15 lakh women have received payments amounting to ₹12,376.19 crore. This support has helped women in achieving financial independence, nutrition, and fulfillment of basic needs. For the current financial year, a budget provision of ₹5,500 crore has been made for this scheme.

Approval has also been granted for the construction of 179 Mahatari Sadans with an outlay of ₹52.20 crore. Each center, built on 2,500 sq. ft. at a cost of ₹29.20 lakh, will serve as a hub for training, meetings, and community activities for women.

Expansion of Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship

To empower women workers and self-help groups, the Sai government has launched several initiatives:

• Chief Minister Sewing Machine Assistance Scheme: Registered women construction workers (aged 18–50) are given ₹7,900 for a sewing machine.
• Didi E-Rickshaw Assistance Scheme: Women workers registered for at least three years receive a grant of ₹1 lakh to purchase an e-rickshaw.
• Minimata Mahatari Jatan Yojana: Pregnant women workers receive ₹20,000 for nutritious food.
• Chief Minister Noni Empowerment Scheme: Daughters (18–21 years, unmarried) of registered workers are given ₹20,000 for education and essential expenses.
• Mahatari Shakti Loan Scheme: Women receive collateral-free loans of up to ₹25,000 to promote self-employment.
• Saksham Yojana: Women with an annual income of less than ₹2 lakh can avail loans up to ₹2 lakh at 3% interest.
• National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): With a budget provision of ₹800 crore, the scheme also includes innovative programs such as “Lakhpati Mahila” and “Drone Didi.” These initiatives not only promote self-reliance but also ensure sustainable employment opportunities for women.

Women’s Safety as a Policy Priority

The Sai government has placed women’s safety at the core of its policy framework.

• Nawabihan Yojana provides legal, medical, counseling, and shelter support to victims of domestic violence, with a provision of ₹20 crore.
• Chhattisgarh has become the first state in India to implement SOPs in Sakhi One-Stop Centers. These centers operate in all 27 districts and provide 24×7 services.
• The Women’s Helpline 181 and Dial 112 provide immediate support and police coordination for women in distress.

Education, Health, and Social Welfare

• Under the Shuchita Yojana, sanitary napkin vending machines have been installed in 2,000 schools, and more than 3 lakh adolescent girls are being provided hygiene products, with a budget of ₹13 crore.
• A budget provision of ₹50 crore has been made for the Bicycle Distribution Scheme for high school girls.
• Pregnant and lactating women are being supported with nutritious food, supplements, and rehabilitation through nutrition centers.

Promoting Women’s Products

A Unity Mall is being built in Nawa Raipur at a cost of ₹200 crore, where products from women’s groups will be sold. The Jashpyoor brand, run by tribal women in Jashpur district, has gained recognition at national and international platforms, becoming a successful example of “Vocal for Local.”

For the financial year 2025–26, the Department of Women and Child Development has been allocated a budget of ₹8,245 crore. This includes expansion of Mahatari Vandan, nutrition, health, loan, and safety schemes.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai believes that women’s empowerment is not just about announcements but about bringing real change on the ground. Meanwhile, Minister for Women and Child Development, Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade, emphasizes that the government’s priority is to ensure that every eligible woman receives the benefits of these schemes promptly and transparently.