*Our goal is to make women not just beneficiaries of government schemes but leaders in building a developed Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Shri Sai
*Chief Minister attends Shining Chhattisgarh ‘Shakti Swaroopa’ programme, honours women for their remarkable contributions in various fields
*Mahtari Vandan Yojana provides financial support to over 68 lakh women; more than ₹20,700 crore transferred in 32 instalments
*14 lakh rural women become Lakhpati Didis, exceeding target; self-help groups help women move towards self-reliance
*421 schools closed due to Naxal violence reopen in Bastar; education and a secure future for girls among government’s highest priorities
TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 11, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai 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. Making women economically self-reliant and enabling them to progress in education, healthcare, safety, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership are among the state government’s highest priorities.
He said the government’s goal is not merely to make women beneficiaries of government schemes but to enable them to become active participants and leaders in the development of their families, society and the state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai was addressing the Shining Chhattisgarh ‘Shakti Swaroopa’ programme organised by Hindi Khabar in Raipur on Sunday. He honoured women who have brought pride to the state through their remarkable contributions in various fields and interacted with them.
Extending greetings on Sharadiya Navratri, the Chief Minister said that women are revered as embodiments of Shakti in Sanatan culture. Navratri is a major festival dedicated to the worship of feminine power.
He said that, according to Indian traditions, the divine resides wherever women are respected. Guided by this belief, the state government is continuously working to uphold women’s dignity and safety, promote their self-reliance and secure a brighter future for them.
*Mother’s struggles and values taught the importance of service and compassion
Sharing experiences from his personal life, Chief Minister Shri Sai said he was born into an ordinary farming family. He lost his father during childhood and witnessed his mother managing the family and working in agriculture despite numerous difficulties. Even in challenging circumstances, his mother ensured that her children’s education and upbringing were never compromised.
The Chief Minister said his mother’s struggles, spirit of service, faith in Sanatan values and dedication to the family deeply influenced his personality.
He drew inspiration for public service and compassion towards people in need from his family, particularly his mother. He said he continues to uphold these values while fulfilling his responsibilities as Chief Minister.
*Mahtari Vandan Yojana strengthens women’s confidence and economic independence
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become an important instrument of positive change in the lives of women across Chhattisgarh. Under the scheme, more than 68 lakh women receive financial assistance of ₹1,000 every month. So far, more than ₹20,700 crore has been transferred directly into their bank accounts through 32 instalments.
He said the scheme goes beyond providing financial assistance. It has given women greater financial independence to meet everyday needs while strengthening their confidence and participation in family decision-making. Women are using the assistance for their children’s education, medicines, nutrition, household expenses and savings.
The Chief Minister said the government is working 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 in documents, Aadhaar details or bank accounts are being examined. Necessary corrective measures are being taken.
*Nearly twice the target achieved as 14 lakh women become Lakhpati Didis
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that, alongside regular financial support, the government is prioritising sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship opportunities for women. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Lakhpati Didi initiative, Chhattisgarh has made significant progress, exceeding its prescribed target. Against a target of 7.82 lakh, 14 lakh rural women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis. A total of 32.39 lakh rural families are associated with 2.98 lakh self-help groups and are engaged in economic activities.
Women belonging to these groups are being connected with various livelihood activities. These include agriculture-based businesses, food processing, handicrafts, minor forest produce, dairy farming, mushroom cultivation, millet processing, tailoring and readymade garment manufacturing.
The Chief Minister said special attention is also being given to improving product quality, packaging and branding, as well as expanding market access. The government’s objective is to help women in Chhattisgarh become self-employed and establish successful enterprises that can create employment opportunities for others.
*481 Mahtari Sadans to become centres for women’s group activities
The Chief Minister said the construction of 481 Mahtari Sadans has been approved across the state to provide better facilities for women’s self-help groups and community activities. These centres will play an important role in promoting the social and economic empowerment of rural women.
He said 39.73 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have received LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. A budget provision of ₹15 crore has also been made for the Rani Durgavati Yojana, which provides financial assistance of ₹1.5 lakh to eligible girls upon completing 18 years of age.
*Education returns to Bastar as 421 schools closed due to Naxal violence reopen
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the government is continuously expanding educational opportunities to ensure that distance, poverty or insecurity do not stand in the way of a girl’s dreams. Special efforts are being made to provide quality education in remote tribal areas through hostels, ashrams, residential schools and Prayas institutions.
He said Naxal violence had disrupted education in several villages of Bastar for years, forcing schools to close. With peace and trust returning, the state government has reopened 421 such schools. The return of children to classrooms after years of disruption is among the most encouraging signs of Bastar’s transformation.
The Chief Minister said Education Cities are being developed in remote areas such as Orchha and Jagargunda. These initiatives aim to ensure that children from tribal regions, particularly girls, can access quality education without having to travel far from their families and villages.
*Healthy women are the foundation of healthy families and a healthy Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the state government has made women’s and children’s health a major priority. Anganwadi services are being strengthened to improve healthcare and nutrition for pregnant women, mothers, adolescent girls and children.
Continuous efforts are being made to ensure regular health check-ups for pregnant women, improve children’s nutrition and prevent anaemia among adolescent girls.
The Chief Minister said approximately 2.49 crore Ayushman cards have been issued in the state under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. A total of 6.21 lakh Vay Vandana cards have also been issued to senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
He said the government is giving special attention to expanding access to quality healthcare in remote tribal areas. Healthcare facilities are being strengthened to ensure that neither financial difficulties nor the distance from a village prevents women from receiving medical treatment.
*New opportunities for women in IT, AI and modern industries
Chief Minister Shri Sai said changing economic conditions and employment patterns make it necessary to connect women with emerging technologies and modern industries alongside traditional livelihood activities. The state’s new Industrial Policy provides special incentives for women’s employment and self-employment.
The government is placing particular emphasis on creating opportunities for women in information technology, artificial intelligence, education, healthcare, food processing, textiles and other sectors.
He said women’s empowerment extends beyond economic independence. Equal participation in decision-making and leadership is equally important.
Women should have greater leadership opportunities in panchayats, local bodies, administration and entrepreneurship. Women Collectors are leading the administration in various districts of Chhattisgarh, reflecting the state’s changing landscape and the growing role of women in public life, he said.
*Daughters of Chhattisgarh bring pride to the state through sports
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the daughters of Chhattisgarh are bringing pride to the state through their achievements at national and international sporting events. The state government is committed to ensuring that no talented sportsperson has to compromise on her dreams because of inadequate resources, training facilities or financial difficulties.
He said Gyaneshwari Yadav, who brought honour to the country at the Commonwealth Games, has been promoted to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and awarded a cash honour of ₹30 lakh. Sanju Devi Rawat of Korba district played an important role in the gold medal-winning performance of the Indian women’s kabaddi team. The state government has provided her with an incentive award of ₹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 the Bastar Olympics, Surguja Olympics and Khelo India Tribal Games are providing new opportunities for girls from rural and tribal regions to showcase their talent. A budget provision of ₹100 crore has been made for the Khel Utkarsh Mission in the financial year 2026–27.
*Girls should dream big; government stands with them to provide opportunities
Chief Minister Shri Sai encouraged the youth and daughters of Chhattisgarh to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. He said Chhattisgarh was a state full of opportunities. Young people should identify their interests and abilities and focus on skill development alongside education.
He added that extensive employment and self-employment opportunities are emerging in digital technology, emerging industries, agriculture-based businesses, food processing, dairy farming, forest produce, tourism and the service sector. The government is continuously strengthening skill development and training facilities to connect young people and women with these opportunities.
*Women’s participation will build a developed and prosperous Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the true strength of Chhattisgarh lies in its mothers, sisters and daughters. The festival of Navratri inspires people not only to worship Shakti but also to support the weaker and needy sections of society.
He said the state government is committed to empowering the poor, women, farmers and youth. A developed and prosperous Chhattisgarh can be built by ensuring women’s education, safety, healthcare and economic independence, while increasing their participation in decision-making and leadership.
The Chief Minister said the vision of Viksit Chhattisgarh would be fully realised only when women become self-reliant, daughters receive education and develop their capabilities, and women assume leadership roles in the state’s development.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Cabinet Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, Hindi Khabar Bureau Head Sushri Nisha Dwivedi, public representatives, distinguished citizens and a large number of women were present on the occasion.
