Jaipur, Oct 2026 . Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that women are not only an integral part of society but also the foundation of family, society and nation-building. Respecting and empowering women is a hallmark of any civilised society. He said that women have always been respected in Indian culture, where it is also said that where women are revered, the divine resides(Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra Devata ).
The Chief Minister was addressing the Nari Shakti Sammelan and Samvad Programme organised at University Commerce College on Saturday. He said that in India, women’s power is revered in the forms of Goddesses Maa Durga, Maa Saraswati, and Maa Lakshmi, symbols of strength, knowledge and prosperity respectively. The history of India is replete with countless stories of women’s courage, valour, sacrifice and dedication. He said that the success stories of women reflect the strength of struggle, courage, self-confidence and determination, which can bring about major transformation in any society.
He said that the able administration, commitment to justice and welfare-oriented works of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar are still remembered and celebrated. The courage of Rani Lakshmibai and her sacrifice for the motherland continue to inspire all citizens of the country. Similarly, Savitribai Phule lit the lamp of women’s education, the light of which continues to illuminate every corner of the country.
The Chief Minister said that many women of Rajasthan have set examples of sacrifice, dedication, devotion and commitment. Bhakt Shiromani Mirabai brought glory to the land of Rajasthan through her devotion to Lord Krishna and spiritual pursuits, while Panna Dhay set a rare example of loyalty and devotion to duty by sacrificing her own son. Hadi Rani displayed exceptional courage and sacrifice in protecting the motherland and fulfilling her duty, while Veer Bala Kalibai made the supreme sacrifice to protect her guru and created an immortal legacy of devotion to the guru. He said that Amrita Devi set a unique example of environmental conservation by sacrificing her life to protect nature and trees.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that mothers, sisters and daughters are enhancing the pride of Maa Bharati in every field through their remarkable talent and skills. He said that over the past 12 years, the Prime Minister has taken several important steps towards women’s empowerment with a new vision and resolve. In this direction, schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission have made women’s lives easier.
The Chief Minister said that under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, women are being provided access to credit facilities for self-employment, while the Lakhpati Didi scheme has provided women with opportunities to become self-reliant. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is also playing an important role in improving women’s health. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, important initiatives such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam have been undertaken to provide women with opportunities for leadership.
He said that over the last nearly three years, unprecedented steps have been taken in the state for the welfare of women. The assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,500. Under the Maa Voucher Scheme, 5 lakh 74 thousand coupons have been issued for sonography, while eligible families are being provided LPG cylinders at Rs 450.
The Chief Minister said that to promote girls’ education, 13 lakh 85 thousand bicycles have been distributed, while around 46 thousand scooties have been distributed under the Kali Bai Higher Education Scooty Scheme and Devnarayan Girls Scooty Scheme. Under the Mukhyamantri Ekal Nari Samman Pension Yojana, around 19 lakh pensioners have so far been provided pension amounting to Rs 8,866 crore. He said that under the Lado Protsahan Yojana, a savings bond of Rs 1.5 lakh is being provided to girls born in poor families.
He said that the honorarium of Anganwadi workers, helpers, Shishu Palna Griha workers and Sathins has been increased by 10 per cent every year over the last three years. A total of 1 crore 22 lakh women and girls in the state are being provided 12 sanitary napkins free of cost every month. Under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, more than 26 lakh women have been provided Lakhpati Didi training, and around 20 lakh women have been brought into the Lakhpati Didi category.
The Chief Minister said that the commitment, hard work and collective strength of women will make Rajasthan a self-reliant and economically prosperous state, while their active participation will provide the strength to realise the resolve of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Rajasthan by 2047. He said that the schemes of the State Government are instilling new confidence among women and inspiring them to achieve new heights in life.
The Chief Minister interacted with various women beneficiaries during the programme and learnt about the positive changes in their lives resulting from the benefits of government schemes. Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the Rajeevika exhibition and enquired about various products. After the interaction programme, the Chief Minister met the beneficiary women and engaged in a warm interaction with them.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Prem Chand Bairwa, Minister of State for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Otaram Dewasi, MP Manju Sharma, MLAs Gopal Sharma and Mahendra Pal Meena, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, senior officials of various departments and a large number of women and girls were present on the occasion. Women from all districts also joined the programme through video conferencing. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel also joined the programme via VC.
Chief Minister announces major benefits for beneficiaries
During the programme, the Chief Minister flagged off 60 ambulances, 9 articulating water towers and 185 auto tippers under the National Health Mission (NHM), and distributed scooty keys to Lakhpati Didis. He handed over house keys to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin and transferred more than Rs 150 crore through DBT to more than 27 thousand beneficiaries. He also transferred Rs 8.79 crore through DBT to 29,222 beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Matritva Poshan Yojana.
Chief Minister distributes cheques under various schemes
Under the Mukhyamantri Lakhpati Didi Loan Scheme through Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi, the Chief Minister distributed loans amounting to Rs 25 crore to 3,274 Lakhpati Didis. Under financial inclusion, loans amounting to Rs 93 crore were distributed to 2,823 Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He handed over symbolic cheques related to these benefits to women members of SHGs.Similarly, 3,300 SHGs were provided livelihood enhancement assistance of Rs 25 crore.
Empowered Women Key to Rajasthan’s Progress: CM Bhajan Lal Sharma
