Our goal is to make women not just beneficiaries of government schemes, but leaders in building a developed Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Sai
Chief Minister attends Shining Chhattisgarh ‘Shakti Swaroopa’ programme and honours women who have made remarkable contributions in various fields
Mahtari Vandan Yojana provides financial support to over 6.8 million women; more than Rs 20,700 crore disbursed in 32 instalments
Exceeding the target, 1.4 million rural women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’; women are moving towards self-reliance through self-help groups
421 schools closed due to Naxal violence in Bastar reopened; education and a secure future for girls given top priority
Raipur, October 2026 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that the women of Chhattisgarh are the state’s greatest strength and that women’s empowerment is a strong foundation for building a developed Chhattisgarh. Along with making women financially self-reliant, advancing them in education, healthcare, security, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership is among the state government’s highest priorities. Our goal is not merely to make women beneficiaries of government schemes, but to make them active participants and leaders in the development journey of their families, society and the state.
Chief Minister Sai was addressing the Shining Chhattisgarh ‘Shakti Swaroopa’ programme organised by Hindi Khabar in the state capital, Raipur, today. The Chief Minister honoured women who have enhanced the state’s pride through their notable contributions in various fields and also interacted with them.
Extending greetings on Sharadiya Navratri, the Chief Minister said that in our Sanatan culture, women are regarded as embodiments of power. Navratri is a major festival dedicated to the worship of the feminine divine. Our tradition holds that where women are respected, the gods reside. Embracing this spirit, the state government is continuously working for women’s dignity, safety, self-reliance and bright future.
The struggles and values of his mother taught him the importance of service and sensitivity
Sharing experiences from his life, Chief Minister Sai said that he was born into an ordinary farming family. After losing his father at an early age, he saw his mother managing the family and carrying out agricultural work amid numerous difficulties. Despite the challenging circumstances, his mother ensured that there was no compromise in her children’s education and upbringing.
The Chief Minister said that his mother’s struggles, spirit of service, faith in Sanatan values and dedication to the family had deeply influenced his personality. He drew inspiration for public service and sensitivity towards those in need from his family, particularly his mother. Even while discharging his responsibilities as Chief Minister today, he continues to follow those same values.
Mahtari Vandan has strengthened women’s confidence and financial independence
Chief Minister Sai said that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become an important means of bringing positive changes to the lives of mothers and sisters in the state. Under the scheme, more than 6.8 million women are receiving financial assistance of Rs 1,000 every month. So far, more than Rs 20,700 crore has been directly transferred to women’s bank accounts in 32 instalments.
He said the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is not merely a financial assistance scheme. Along with providing women financial independence to meet their small, everyday needs, the assistance has strengthened their participation in family decision-making and boosted their confidence. Women are using the money for children’s education, medicines, nutrition, household requirements and savings.
The Chief Minister said the government’s effort is to ensure that no eligible woman is deprived of the scheme’s benefits. Cases involving eligible women who have not received assistance because of technical issues or errors related to documents, Aadhaar or bank accounts are being examined and necessary solutions are being provided.
Nearly double the target achieved, 1.4 million women become Lakhpati Didis
Chief Minister Sai said that, alongside providing regular financial support to women, the government’s priority is to connect them with sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, Chhattisgarh has achieved a remarkable milestone by exceeding its prescribed target. Against a target of 782,000, 1.4 million rural women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis.
A total of 3.239 million rural households in the state are associated with 298,000 self-help groups and are undertaking economic activities. Women in these groups are being connected with various livelihood activities, including agriculture-based businesses, food processing, handicrafts, minor forest produce, dairy, mushroom cultivation, millet processing, tailoring and ready-made garment manufacturing.
The Chief Minister said special attention was also being given to the quality of women’s products, improved packaging, branding and access to markets. Our effort is not only to connect women with self-employment but also to enable them to become successful entrepreneurs who can provide employment to others.
481 Mahtari Sadan centres to become hubs for women’s group activities
The Chief Minister stated that approval had been granted for the construction of 481 Mahtari Sadan centres in the state to provide better facilities for women’s self-help groups and community activities. These centres will become important hubs for the social and economic empowerment of rural women.
He said that 3.973 million women in the state had been provided LPG connections through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. A budget provision of Rs 15 crore had been made for the Rani Durgavati Yojana, under which eligible girls are to receive assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh upon attaining the age of 18 years.
Education returns to Bastar as 421 schools closed due to Naxal violence reopen
Chief Minister Sai said the government was continuously expanding educational opportunities to ensure that distance, poverty or insecurity did not become obstacles to any girl’s dreams. Special attention was being given to providing quality education in remote tribal areas through hostels, ashrams, residential schools and Prayas institutions.
He said education in many villages of Bastar had been affected for a long time because of Naxal violence, forcing numerous schools to close. With the establishment of peace and trust, the state government has reopened 421 such schools. The return of children to classrooms and the sound of lessons after years is one of the most heartening images of a changing Bastar.
The Chief Minister said Education Cities were being developed in remote areas such as Orchha and Jagargunda so that children from tribal regions, particularly girls, would not have to travel far from their families and villages to access quality education.
Healthy women are the foundation of healthy families and a healthy Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Sai said women’s and children’s health had been placed among the state government’s key priorities. Anganwadi services were being strengthened to improve healthcare and nutrition for pregnant women, mothers, adolescent girls and children. Continuous efforts were being made to ensure regular health check-ups for pregnant women, improve children’s nutrition and prevent anaemia among adolescent girls.
He stated that approximately 24.9 million Ayushman cards had been issued in the state under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. In addition, 621,000 Vay Vandana cards had been issued to senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
The Chief Minister said the government was particularly focused on expanding access to quality healthcare in remote tribal areas. Healthcare facilities were being continuously expanded with the aim of ensuring that neither financial circumstances nor the distance of a village became an obstacle to a woman receiving treatment.
IT, AI and modern industries to open new opportunities for women
Chief Minister Sai said that, given the rapidly changing economy and employment landscape, it was necessary to connect women not only with traditional livelihoods but also with future technologies and modern industries.
The state’s new industrial policy was providing special encouragement for women’s employment and self-employment. The government was focusing on creating new opportunities for women in information technology, artificial intelligence, education, healthcare, food processing, textiles and various other sectors.
He said women’s empowerment did not mean financial independence alone. Equal participation in decision-making and leadership was equally important. Women should have greater leadership opportunities, from panchayats and local bodies to administration and entrepreneurship. Women district collectors are leading the administration in various districts of the state, presenting an inspiring picture of a changing and empowered Chhattisgarh.
Daughters of Chhattisgarh bringing glory to the state through sports
Chief Minister Sai said the daughters of Chhattisgarh were bringing pride to the state at national and international sporting platforms. The state government was committed to ensuring that no talented sportsperson had to compromise on her dreams because of a lack of resources, training or financial difficulties.
He said Gyaneshwari Yadav, who brought honour to the country at the Commonwealth Games, had been promoted to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and awarded an honorarium of Rs 30 lakh. Sanju Devi Rawat of Korba district played an important role in the achievements of the Indian women’s kabaddi team. The state government provided her an incentive of Rs 50 lakh.
Kiran Pisda of Chhattisgarh has been selected for the Indian senior women’s football team. She received training at the residential girls’ football academy in Raipur.
The Chief Minister said events such as Bastar Olympics, Surguja Olympics and Khelo India Tribal Games were providing new opportunities for girls from rural and tribal areas to showcase their talent. The 2026–27 budget has earmarked Rs 100 crore for the Khel Utkarsh Mission.
Girls should dream big; the government stands with them to provide opportunities
Chief Minister Sai urged the state’s youth and daughters to dream big and work hard to fulfil their aspirations. He said Chhattisgarh today was a state full of possibilities. Young people should identify their interests and abilities and pay special attention to skill development alongside education.
He said extensive opportunities for employment and self-employment were emerging in digital technology, emerging industries, agriculture-based businesses, food processing, dairy, forest produce, tourism and the services sector. The government was continuously strengthening skill development and training arrangements to connect young people and women with these new opportunities.
A developed and prosperous Chhattisgarh will be built through women’s participation
Chief Minister Sai said the true strength of Chhattisgarh lay in its mothers, sisters and daughters. The festival of Navratri inspires people not only to worship the divine feminine but also to support vulnerable and needy members of society.
He said the state government was working with a commitment to empower the poor, women, farmers and youth. The dream of a developed and prosperous Chhattisgarh could be realised only by ensuring women’s education, safety, health and economic self-reliance, while increasing their participation in decision-making and leadership.
The Chief Minister said the vision of a ‘Developed Chhattisgarh’ would be fully realised when mothers and sisters became self-reliant, daughters became educated and capable, and women played a leading role in the state’s development.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Cabinet Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, Hindi Khabar Bureau Head Nisha Dwivedi, public representatives, dignitaries and a large number of women were present on the occasion.
