TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 5, 2025: Vice-President of India Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan hailed the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative as a shining example of women-led development and grassroots democracy during his address at the Lakhpati Didi Sammelanheld in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. Calling the initiative a movement of courage, confidence, and independence, he said it represents the growing empowerment of women who are transforming rural India through their determination and collective effort.
The Vice-President was joined by Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh at the event. Addressing thousands of women beneficiaries, Shri Radhakrishnan described the Lakhpati Didi initiative as a symbol of dignity and self-reliance. “The term ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is not merely about income—it signifies confidence, empowerment, and pride,” he said, commending the achievements of self-help groups (SHGs) that are driving the movement at the grassroots level.
He lauded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis across the nation, describing it as a transformative step in women-led development. Over two crore women in India, including more than five lakh in Chhattisgarh, have already achieved financial independence through SHGs and income-generating activities under this initiative.
Praising the Chhattisgarh government’s efforts, the Vice-President highlighted that in Rajnandgaon alone, more than one lakh women have been empowered through 9,663 self-help groups, receiving financial assistance of over ₹700 crore. He noted that the state government’s Mahila Samman Yojana has directly transferred over ₹13,000 crore in 20 installments to women beneficiaries, boosting their financial autonomy.
Emphasizing the essence of participatory democracy, Shri Radhakrishnan remarked, “Democracy does not live only in Parliament—it thrives in gram sabhas, panchayats, and self-help groups where citizens discuss, decide, and develop together.” He praised Rajnandgaon for being a symbol of women’s leadership, with over 1,000 women actively serving as Panch, Sarpanch, and members of Janpad and Zila Panchayats.
Encouraging women to aim higher, he expressed hope that many Lakhpati Didis would soon become Crorepati Didis. “Women are no longer confined to their homes—they are administrators, entrepreneurs, and nation-builders,” he said.
Reflecting on Chhattisgarh’s journey of transformation, Shri Radhakrishnan noted that the state, once plagued by scarcity of power and infrastructure, is now a power-surplus region contributing to the nation’s energy grid. He commended the government’s success in tackling Naxalism, crediting the joint efforts of the Centre, the State, and the security forces. “Peace and progress in Chhattisgarh are the outcomes of collective political will and development-driven governance,” he observed.
Drawing an inspiring parallel with India’s recent triumph in the Women’s Cricket World Cup, he said, “Just as our women cricketers have made the nation proud, the women of Chhattisgarh are leading a quiet revolution of social and economic change.”
The Vice-President also inaugurated a new five-storey facility at the Udayachal Health and Research Institute in Rajnandgaon. He commended the institute’s role in making Chhattisgarh cataract-free and its contribution to national campaigns such as the National Netra Jyoti Abhiyan and Cataract-Free Bharat Mission. He also highlighted the success of Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, and PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission in improving healthcare access across the country.
At the event, Shri Radhakrishnan interacted with women’s self-help groups and witnessed demonstrations of innovative initiatives, including assistive devices made by Divyangjan. He praised the women’s active role in public welfare, natural resource management, and community-driven development.
Recalling Chhattisgarh’s statehood formation on November 1, 2000, Shri Radhakrishnan paid tribute to former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision led to the creation of the state. “As a Member of Parliament, I had the honor of supporting the Bill that fulfilled this historic dream,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh and Rajnandgaon will continue to lead the nation in empowerment, democracy, and cultural pride.
Earlier in the day, Shri Radhakrishnan also attended the spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team in Nava Raipur as part of the state’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. The breathtaking aerial display, marked by precision and patriotism, captivated the audience and underscored the celebratory spirit of Chhattisgarh’s 25th Foundation Day.
