Raipur, August 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said that the progress of women is directly linked to the progress of families, society and the nation. He stressed that ensuring dignity, safety, equal opportunities and economic independence for women remains among the top priorities of his government.
Addressing the ‘Nari Shakti Samman Samaroh’ organised by the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium on the campus of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College in Raipur, Sai said the government was committed to creating an environment in which every girl could pursue her dreams and every woman could move forward with confidence and self-respect.
The Chief Minister honoured women who have made significant contributions in fields including medicine, education, sports, cyber security, journalism, art and culture, agriculture, entrepreneurship, social service and women’s safety. He also released a brochure highlighting the Nari Shakti Samman programme.
Congratulating the awardees, Sai said their achievements represented more than individual success and would inspire thousands of young girls aspiring to make a mark in different fields. He said women in Chhattisgarh were demonstrating their capabilities across sectors, from agriculture and entrepreneurship to education, sports, social service and modern technology.
Highlighting the state’s cultural traditions, Sai said Indian civilisation has always accorded women a position of great respect. He said the government was working to translate these values into concrete policies and welfare initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s social and economic position.
Women’s Commission urged to expand outreach
Sai congratulated newly appointed Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women chairperson Dr Mamta Sahu and said her social experience, legal understanding and educational background would help her discharge the important responsibility effectively.
The Chief Minister said the Commission should not limit its role to resolving complaints but should also reach villages, towns, tribal areas and remote regions to create awareness among women about their legal and constitutional rights. He said women should have confidence that government institutions would stand with them during difficult circumstances.
Mahatari Vandan strengthening economic independence
Sai said economic independence was one of the strongest foundations of women’s empowerment. Under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, more than 68 lakh women in the state are receiving monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000, with 31 instalments already transferred to beneficiaries.
He said the scheme was not merely providing financial assistance but was strengthening women’s confidence, self-respect and ability to make independent decisions. Women are using the money for household needs, children’s education, healthcare and self-employment activities.
He added that the government had ensured timely transfer of funds ahead of Raksha Bandhan, keeping in mind the needs and celebrations of women across the state.
Over 13.85 lakh women become Lakhpati Didis
The Chief Minister said women associated with self-help groups were creating new examples of economic empowerment. From tailoring and handicrafts to agriculture, forest produce-based activities, small businesses and self-employment, women were increasingly entering modern sectors such as drone operations.
More than 13.85 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didis, he said, describing the achievement as evidence of positive economic transformation among families. The government, he added, would continue connecting women with skills, capital, markets and technology.
Sai also highlighted the state’s decision to observe 2026 as ‘Mahatari Gaurav Varsh’, dedicated to recognising and empowering women. Initiatives such as the Saraswati Cycle Scheme are encouraging girls’ education, while approval has been given for 6,671 girls’ toilets under the ‘Meri Beti, Mera Abhiman’ initiative.
The government is also constructing 481 Mahatari Sadan facilities to provide self-help groups with spaces for training, meetings and economic activities. Ready-to-eat food programmes are also being operated through women’s self-help groups, creating additional livelihood opportunities.
Focus on women’s property ownership
Sai said the government was encouraging property registration in women’s names to strengthen their economic rights. Ownership of land and property, he said, enhances women’s financial security and strengthens their participation in family decision-making.
He stressed that women’s empowerment cannot be restricted to welfare schemes alone and requires positive changes in social attitudes and institutions. Ensuring quality education for girls, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young women, safety, dignity and timely justice must remain part of a comprehensive approach.
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu said the Women’s Commission should remain a source of hope, trust and justice for women in distress. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also congratulated Dr Mamta Sahu and expressed confidence that the Commission would work sensitively for women’s empowerment and speedy justice.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade said the State Women’s Commission was observing its silver jubilee after completing 25 years. She said schemes such as Mahatari Vandan had strengthened women’s confidence and self-reliance.
The event was attended by ministers, MPs, legislators, mayors, senior officials, representatives of various commissions and corporations, religious leaders and prominent women from different fields.
