Raipur: Chhattisgarh is witnessing a transformative phase in women’s development under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, with women-centric governance emerging as a cornerstone of the state’s growth agenda. Emphasizing empowerment, safety, health, and dignity, the state government has rolled out a series of impactful initiatives over the past two years, laying a strong foundation for an inclusive and progressive Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Sai has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every woman in the state leads a self-reliant, secure, and dignified life. “Women-centric development is not just a welfare approach but the backbone of a developed and prosperous Chhattisgarh,” he said.
At the heart of this transformation is the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, one of the state’s most ambitious schemes aimed at enhancing women’s financial independence. Launched virtually by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on March 10, 2024, the scheme provides ₹1,000 per month as direct financial assistance to nearly 7 million married women in the state. So far, an amount of ₹14,306.33 crore has been transferred in 22 installments directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Additionally, a budgetary provision of ₹5,500 crore underscores the government’s focus on women’s nutrition, health, and economic security.
To strengthen women’s property rights, the state has introduced a 1 percent rebate on property registration fees for women. Further reinforcing social empowerment, the government has approved the construction of 368 Mahtari Sadan centers, which will offer training, counseling, skill development, and support services under one roof. Transparency and good governance have also been enhanced through the introduction of online payment systems for honorariums and incentives for Mitanins and Anganwadi workers.
Special emphasis has been placed on reaching rural and marginalized women. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been provided new livelihood opportunities, including the assignment of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) nutrition work to women’s groups in six districts—Bastar, Dantewada, Balodabazar, Korba, Raigarh, and Surajpur. Moreover, 42,878 women SHGs have been extended concessional loans amounting to ₹12,946.65 lakh to strengthen their economic base.
Schemes such as Chief Minister Noni Sashaktikaran Yojana, sewing machine assistance, Didi E-Rickshaw Yojana, and Mini Mata Mahtari Jatan Yojana are opening new livelihood avenues, particularly for construction workers’ families and pregnant women laborers, ensuring health, nutrition, and income security.
To support daughters at the time of marriage, the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana has been revamped. Under the revised provisions, ₹35,000 out of the total ₹50,000 assistance is now deposited directly into the bride’s bank account. For the financial year 2024–25, ₹40 crore has been allocated to facilitate the marriages of 8,000 girls.
Women’s participation in the rural economy is being further strengthened through initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), with a substantial allocation of ₹800 crore. These programs are setting new benchmarks in women-led entrepreneurship across the country.
In the area of women’s safety, Chhattisgarh has taken several pioneering steps. The Navabihan Yojana provides legal, medical, and psychosocial support to women affected by domestic violence. Notably, Chhattisgarh has become the first state in India to launch a digital version of the Sakhi One-Stop Centre, complete with a standardized operating procedure. The integrated operation of the 181 Women Helpline and Dial 112 ensures swift response in emergencies. Additionally, under the Sukhad Sahara Yojana, more than 2.18 lakh widowed and deserted women receive ₹500 per month as financial assistance.
Adolescent girls’ health and education have also received focused attention. Under the Shuchita Yojana, sanitary napkin vending machines have been installed in 2,000 schools, benefiting over 3 lakh girls with access to hygiene products. A provision of ₹50 crore has been made for bicycle distribution to high school girls to encourage continued education.
Looking toward market linkage and global exposure, a Unity Mall worth ₹200 crore is being constructed in Nava Raipur to promote products made by women SHGs at national and international levels. Efforts are also underway to give global recognition to JashPure, a brand run by tribal women from Jashpur district.
Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, stated that ensuring women’s economic self-reliance alongside a safe and respectful environment remains the government’s top priority. “From Mahtari Vandan Yojana to Navabihan, Lakhpati Didi, Shuchita, and Mahtari Sadan, these initiatives are paving the way for holistic development of women,” she said.
Reaffirming its commitment, the state government has allocated a budget of ₹8,245 crore to the Women and Child Development Department for 2025–26. The allocation sends a clear message that women’s welfare and safety remain at the forefront of the government’s agenda.
Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, the changes witnessed over the past two years highlight that development centered on women is not only a hallmark of good governance but also the foundation of a progressive society. Today, Chhattisgarh stands as a symbol of new direction, renewed hope, and transformative change in the field of women’s empowerment.