Over Rs 16,237 crore to be transferred to more than 69 lakh women beneficiaries; special initiatives for women empowerment and livelihood promotion planned
TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 7, 2026: A grand state-level programme titled “Mahtari Vandan Sammelan–2026” will be organised in the Bastar district on March 8 to mark International Women’s Day. The event will witness the participation of a large number of women from across the state and will highlight the government’s initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s social and economic empowerment.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will attend the programme as the chief guest and will release the 25th instalment of financial assistance under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana during the conference. The instalment will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of women beneficiaries across the state through the Direct Benefit Transfer system.
According to official information, the programme will be presided over by Raman Singh, Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu will be present as a special guest. Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao will also attend the programme along with Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Rajwade and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap. Several Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, public representatives and officials from different commissions and boards are also expected to participate in the event.
The conference is being organised by the state’s Women and Child Development Department with the objective of celebrating the strength and achievements of women while further encouraging their participation in social and economic activities. A series of departmental stalls will be set up at the venue to provide information to women regarding various government welfare schemes, self-employment opportunities, livelihood programmes and nutrition-related initiatives.
Officials stated that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has emerged as one of the flagship initiatives of the Government of Chhattisgarh aimed at improving the economic security of women. Under the scheme, more than 69 lakh women across the state are receiving financial assistance on a regular basis. With the release of the 25th instalment, the total amount transferred to beneficiaries under the scheme will reach approximately Rs 16,237.33 crore.
The financial support provided through the scheme is helping women meet household needs and contribute to family welfare. It is also enabling them to invest in the education, health and nutrition of their children while strengthening their economic independence and self-confidence.
A special initiative will also be launched during the programme to support women who have surrendered from extremist activities and returned to the mainstream in the Bastar division. Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, such women will be provided interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh each through the Chhattisgarh Mahila Kosh. The initiative aims to provide them with sustainable livelihood opportunities and support their reintegration into society.
During the event, the Chief Minister will also distribute “Lakshmi-Sakhi Millet Kits” to these women beneficiaries. The programme is being implemented with the technical support of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, which is providing training to the women in the preparation of millet-based food products. The training will help them develop small-scale enterprises by producing and selling millet-based items in local markets, thereby enhancing their income and promoting nutritious food products.
Officials said the large-scale gathering on International Women’s Day will serve as a significant platform to recognise women’s contributions to society and reinforce the government’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development. A large number of women, including members of self-help groups, beneficiaries of government schemes and representatives from different districts of the state, are expected to participate in the conference.
The Mahtari Vandan Sammelan is expected to highlight the growing role of women in social and economic development while encouraging greater awareness about welfare programmes designed to strengthen their dignity, self-reliance and leadership in the community.
