Women and Child Development Minister becomes the first woman minister to reach Jagargunda by road, promotes nutrition through Poshan Vatikas, interacts with women and children, and pays tribute to a martyred police officer during Sukma visit.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 27,2026: Chhattisgarh Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Lakshmi Rajwade undertook a comprehensive tour of Sukma district on Saturday, combining outreach on nutrition, women’s empowerment, rural development and welfare during visits to some of Bastar’s remotest villages, including Jagargunda, Chintalnar, Purvarti and Silger.
In a landmark moment, Rajwade became the first woman minister to travel by road to Jagargunda, a region once known for Left Wing Extremism. The visit was widely seen as a symbol of the state’s growing administrative reach and the transformation of Bastar into a region focused on development, public participation and social welfare.
During her tour, the Minister inspected Anganwadi centres at Purvarti and Silger, participated in Annaprashan and Godbharai programmes, and interacted with women, children and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). She encouraged beneficiaries to make full use of government welfare schemes and stressed the importance of maternal and child health, nutrition and women’s economic empowerment.
A major highlight of the visit was her campaign promoting nutrition through Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens). At the Saksham Anganwadi Centre in Laskepara village of Chhindgarh block, Rajwade planted drumstick (moringa) and papaya saplings along with children, giving the message, “Drumstick in Every Home, Good Nutrition in Every Household.”
Explaining the nutritional value of the plants, she said drumstick is regarded as a “tree of nutrition” because its leaves, flowers and pods are rich in essential nutrients that help combat malnutrition. Papaya, she added, is another highly nutritious fruit that supports the health of children and women. She appealed to families to plant nutrient-rich trees in their homes to ensure easy access to healthy food while contributing to environmental conservation.
The Minister said the state government is strengthening its nutrition campaign by promoting locally available nutritious foods through Poshan Vatikas established at Anganwadi centres, with the objective of building a malnutrition-free Chhattisgarh through community participation.
During her visit to Jagargunda, Rajwade inaugurated the Kritika Mahila Sankul Stariya Sangathan (Cluster Level Federation) building established under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan). She held detailed discussions with women associated with Self-Help Groups on livelihood generation, entrepreneurship and income-enhancing activities, while directing officials to provide all necessary support for strengthening women’s economic independence.
Addressing villagers, the Minister said that areas once associated with insecurity are now witnessing progress in education, healthcare, nutrition, livelihoods and women’s empowerment. She credited the coordinated efforts of the government, local communities and security forces for creating an atmosphere of peace and development across Bastar.
As part of her tour, Rajwade also visited the residence of martyred Assistant Sub-Inspector Ramu Ram Nag in Jagargunda to pay tribute to his sacrifice. She offered floral tributes before his portrait and met his mother to express her condolences.
Assuring the family of the government’s continued support, the Minister directed district officials to immediately issue an Antyodaya ration card to the martyr’s mother to ensure she receives the benefits of government welfare schemes without delay.
“The sacrifice of our martyrs is invaluable for the state and the nation. It is our responsibility to honour their families and ensure their welfare,” she said.
Rajwade reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government is committed to extending roads, education, healthcare, nutrition, employment opportunities and women’s empowerment initiatives to the remotest parts of Bastar. She said the growing confidence among women, smiling children and expanding development activities in villages such as Jagargunda, Purvarti and Silger reflect the region’s steady transformation into a landscape of peace, progress and inclusive growth.
