Millions of Needy Benefited from Social Welfare Schemes: Minister Laxmi Rajwade

Raipur, Jan 2026 : Chhattisgarh’s Minister for Social Welfare, Laxmi Rajwade, highlighted the significant impact of the state’s welfare initiatives during a press conference held at the Auditorium of Samvaad today. Speaking to journalists, she stated that over the past two years, the Chhattisgarh government has undertaken comprehensive and effective measures for the welfare of marginalized and needy sections of society.

Minister Rajwade explained that the Social Welfare Department has been implementing schemes aimed at the social rehabilitation and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, widows, abandoned women, and transgender individuals.

Under various social assistance programs, over 22 lakh beneficiaries are receiving pension benefits, with the majority of payments ensured via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). For persons with disabilities, initiatives include UDID cards, scholarships, provision of artificial limbs and assistive devices, marriage incentive schemes, and special educational institutions, benefiting thousands of individuals. She added that under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, millions of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, widows, and abandoned women have been provided free pilgrimage opportunities.

Minister Rajwade further mentioned other welfare measures, such as substance de-addiction programs, empowerment of transgender individuals, operation of old-age homes, rehabilitation of mentally ill persons, and initiatives like the Sian Helpline, which directly benefit vulnerable groups.

She emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is committed to social justice and inclusive development, ensuring that the department’s welfare schemes are effectively implemented on the ground.