New Flight, New Horizon – The Story of Empowering Mahataris in Chhattisgarh

Nov 2025 : Chhattisgarh stands at a golden milestone in its development journey. At the heart of this progress are the women of the state—affectionately and respectfully called “Mahataris.”

In recent years, the Government of Chhattisgarh has not only prioritized women’s empowerment in policy but has made it the core driver of social and economic transformation. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, women have emerged not merely as beneficiaries of schemes but as key agents of change. The state has launched several initiatives to strengthen women economically.

The most notable among these is the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, under which approximately 70 lakh women have received ₹12,983 crore so far. This support provides women not only with financial security but also with the confidence and authority to play a decisive role in their families and communities.

The Didi E-Rickshaw Scheme has created new employment opportunities for 12,000 women. Under the Saksham Scheme, 32,000 women received business loans up to ₹2 lakh at just 3% interest, while the Mahtari Shakti Loan enabled 50,000 women to obtain collateral-free loans, opening the path to self-reliance. Through the Chief Minister Sewing Machine Assistance Scheme, 1.15 lakh women are now earning respectable incomes by engaging in production work from home.

Transformative Stories of Change

Rato Bai from Kondagaon once lived in fear of Naxal violence. Through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) she received ₹1.20 lakh, and 90 days of employment under MNREGA. Today, she lives safely in a pucca house and earns her livelihood by selling vegetables. Schemes like Ujjwala and Nal-Jal have improved her quality of life.

Women from the Gangadevi SHG in Dantewada operate a Tata Magic vehicle and earn ₹26,000 per month, showing how rural women can run new-age businesses when given opportunities.

In Sarguja, Smt. Shyama Singh began work with 95,000 rupees under the Bihan Scheme, purchasing 30 centering plates. Today, she owns 152 plates and earns ₹50,000 per month. In Korba, Smt. Manjhanin Bai earns ₹9,000 per month as an appointee at a health center funded by DMF. This brings not only financial stability but also social respect.

Once fearful of Naxal violence, Bastar is now transforming with a new identity of self-reliance, dignity, and opportunity. “Rebuilding Bastar is not just about constructing roads or bridges; it is about lighting the lamp of trust in every home,” says Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 15,000 special houses have been sanctioned, of which 3,000 are being built in Bastar, Sukma, Kanker, Bijapur, and Dantewada. More than 12,000 people have already received safe housing.

Chhattisgarh has 2,80,362 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with nearly 60,000 active in Bastar alone. Enterprises based on forest produce and handicrafts are generating business worth crores. Under the Lakhpati Mahila Mission, 2,000 women now earn more than ₹1 lakh annually. Products such as JashPyour and Bastar cane crafts have gained national recognition. Women are not just earning livelihoods—they are becoming employers.

Health, Safety, and Dignity

Under the Ujjwala Yojana, out of 25 lakh sanctioned LPG connections, 1.59 lakh were allotted to Chhattisgarh, benefiting even remote villages like Niyad Nellanar. “Clean kitchens, healthy families, and empowered women—this is the essence of Ujjwala,” says Chief Minister Sai.

All 27 districts of Chhattisgarh now have Sakhi One-Stop Centers, along with Women Helpline 181, and Dial 112, functioning 24/7. The Nava Bihan Scheme provides legal and counseling support. Under the Shuchita Scheme, 3 lakh adolescent girls have benefited, and sanitary napkin vending machines have been installed in 2,000 schools. These efforts have instilled a renewed sense of safety and confidence among women.

Towards Technology-Based Empowerment

Women are being trained under the Drone Didi Scheme. Through the JashPyour brand, about 500 women are earning ₹10,000 per month. At the Unity Mall in Nawa Raipur, SHG products are given priority, helping women entrepreneurs reach national markets from local beginnings.

A Vision for New Chhattisgarh

Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, says, “The new Chhattisgarh will be one where there is trust, not fear; where women are not dependent, but empowered.”

Today, change is visible in every village, every home, and every family of Chhattisgarh. Where there was once fear—there is now self-reliance. Where there was helplessness—there is now dignity. The Mahataris of Chhattisgarh are no longer waiting for change—they are creating the direction of change themselves.

Dr. Daneshwari Sambhakar
Deputy Director, Public Relations Department
Government of Chhattisgarh