Chief Minister listens to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’, says enhanced participation of women from Panchayat to Parliament will deepen democracy and accelerate nation-building.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 13,2026: Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, on Monday said that women’s reservation would secure the rightful share of half the country’s population and significantly strengthen their participation in decision-making processes across governance structures.
The Chief Minister made the remarks after listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’, broadcast live from Vigyan Bhawan, at his residence office in Raipur.
Describing the occasion as historic and meaningful for women across the nation, Sai said the initiative would further strengthen and widen India’s democratic framework. He noted that ensuring women’s representation in legislative bodies marks a transformative phase in the country’s governance model.
The Chief Minister said the vision of women’s participation from “Panchayat to Parliament” reflects the direction of a rapidly changing India. According to him, direct involvement of women in policy-making and governance creates a strong foundation for building a developed and inclusive nation.
Referring to the upcoming discussion on the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’ in Parliament on April 16, Sai termed it an important step toward translating the commitment to women’s reservation into reality. He said the move would institutionalise greater representation of women in legislative bodies and deepen democratic values.
Emphasising the cultural and historical context, the Chief Minister said women have always occupied a place of honour in India’s traditions. From the Vedic era to modern times, he said, women have played a central role in shaping society and guiding social transformation.
He added that under the “double-engine government,” various initiatives have been undertaken to ensure that women progress with greater independence, dignity and self-reliance. According to him, the focus on women-led development has become a defining feature of governance at both the Centre and the state level.
Highlighting measures taken in Chhattisgarh, Sai said the state has implemented 50 percent reservation for women in local bodies, providing significant leadership opportunities at the grassroots level. He noted that this step has brought visible changes in rural governance and strengthened women’s participation in public life.
The Chief Minister also referred to the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ as a key initiative aimed at empowering women socially and economically. He said such programmes are helping women enhance their financial independence while also boosting their confidence to take on leadership roles.
He pointed out that while the nation is discussing women’s reservation at the national level, Chhattisgarh is observing ‘Mahtari Gaurav Varsh’, celebrating the pride and strength of women. “Chhattisgarh Mahtari holds a revered place in the hearts of people, and women’s participation today defines the identity and progress of our state,” he said.
Sai urged women and women-centric organisations to actively raise their voices on every platform and participate in the ongoing process of change. Greater representation, he said, would not only strengthen democracy but also lead to positive and lasting social transformation.
“When women are empowered, the nation grows stronger,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the time has come to ensure equal rights and a decisive role for women in the country’s development journey.
Among those present on the occasion were Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, and other dignitaries.
