Women’s empowerment is central to building a developed Chhattisgarh: Shri Sai
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 28, 2026: Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with warmth and fervour at the Chief Minister’s residence here on Friday, with women from different sections of society tying rakhis to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and expressing their affection and blessings.
“For me, it is a privilege to have sisters from different walks of life come together to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. Their affection and blessings strengthen my resolve to work with greater dedication for the welfare of women across Chhattisgarh,” Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said.
A special moment came when Smt. Sarla Dubey, wife of the late Colonel Ashok Kumar Dubey, tied a rakhi to the Chief Minister. Shri Sai said Col. Dubey was the first soldier from Chhattisgarh to join the Army and described the moment as emotional and a matter of pride.
Savita Didi and Smriti Didi of Prajapita Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, Smt. Savitri Jaiswal, Padma Shri Dr Usha Barle, Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women Chairperson Smt. Mamta Sahu, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Chairperson Sushri Mona Sen, women journalists, self-help group members, Lakhpati Didis, Drone Didis, E-Rickshaw Didis, Team Prahari members, women from different communities and specially-abled women also tied rakhis to the Chief Minister.
Referring to the ‘Sneh Ki Dor’ programme recently held at the Indoor Stadium in Raipur, Shri Sai said Raksha Bandhan also provided an opportunity to honour security personnel serving away from their families. Members of self-help groups, specially-abled persons and women from the families of martyrs tied rakhis to around 1,600 personnel from the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and other security forces.
“Our security personnel remain away from their families even during festivals while performing their duty to protect the country and the state. Respecting their service is our collective responsibility,” he said.
Shri Sai also praised women journalists for carrying out their duties in challenging circumstances. He recalled that journalist Jigyasa had tied a rakhi to him at the airport earlier in the morning after his return from Delhi.
*Women’s economic empowerment a key focus
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said women’s security, dignity and economic empowerment are among the government’s top priorities. He highlighted the growing role of women in self-help groups and emerging livelihood activities.
Around 68 lakh women receive Rs 1,000 a month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. The 31st instalment, worth more than Rs 631 crore, was transferred to their bank accounts on August 25, ahead of Raksha Bandhan. “The scheme has strengthened women’s financial confidence,” Shri Sai said, adding that beneficiaries are using the money for household needs, children’s education, healthcare, savings and livelihood activities.
Chhattisgarh has also crossed its target of creating eight lakh Lakhpati Didis, with 13.85 lakh women achieving the status in the past two years, he said.
He added that women are also entering newer livelihood sectors. Drone Didis earn around Rs 300 per acre for spraying fertilisers and agricultural medicines, with those covering 20 to 25 acres earning Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 a day.
In Nava Raipur, 92 women are earning livelihoods through e-rickshaws, he said, adding that 50 women in his village Bagiya in Jashpur were also provided e-rickshaws during his Raksha Bandhan visit.
Women registering land in their names receive a 50% concession in registration fee. Around 30,000 registrations have been completed in women’s names over the past two and a half years, he said.
The state’s New Industrial Policy also provides special incentives for women entrepreneurs. Chhattisgarh has received investment proposals worth around Rs 8.50 lakh crore so far, he said, urging women to explore opportunities under the policy.
Shri Sai said the gains against Naxalism had opened a new phase of peace and development in Bastar. He credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, security forces and local people for the progress.
Wishing women across the state on Raksha Bandhan, Shri Sai said the government’s aim is to ensure that women have security, dignity, financial independence and opportunities to participate fully in the state’s development.
