Mataari Vandan Yojana brought confidence and economic self-reliance in the lives of mothers and sisters: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudeo Sai
Mothers and sisters are directly benefiting from schemes
Chief Minister shares vision of women empowerment, employment, tourism, industry, and good governance
A new chapter of peace, development, and employment begins in Bastar
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudeo Sai participates in 'Emerging Chhattisgarh – Empowered Women, Prosperous State' program
Raipur / Chief Minister Shri Vishnudeo Sai today participated in the 'Emerging Chhattisgarh – Empowered Women, Prosperous State' program organized in the capital Raipur. On this occasion, he elaborated on the state government's priorities regarding women empowerment, Bastar's development, employment, industry, tourism, good governance, and social reforms.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh is not just a state, but for all of us, it is 'Chhattisgarh Maatari' (Mother Chhattisgarh). It is the holy birthplace of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram. Indian culture has a tradition of giving the highest respect to women. Quoting the Vedas, he said, "Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devata," meaning where women are honored, there the gods reside.
Smile returns to the faces of women with the Mataari Vandan Yojana
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is continuously working for the economic and social empowerment of women. About 68.50 lakh married women in the state are being given one thousand rupees directly into their bank accounts every month under the Mataari Vandan Yojana. So far, approximately 18,800 crore rupees have been transferred to women's accounts through 29 installments.
He said that when he visits villages, the confidence and satisfaction that has come into the lives of mothers and sisters through this scheme are clearly visible. In conversations, mothers and sisters share that some have invested in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for their daughter's future, some have started businesses by buying sewing machines, and some have increased their income by opening grocery or vegetable shops. This is making mothers and sisters economically self-reliant, and their participation in family decision-making has also increased.
Mothers and sisters of Dansara village start Ram temple construction with funds from Mataari Vandan
Chief Minister Shri Sai informed that mothers and sisters of Dansara village in Saranggarh-Bilaigarh district have collected the money received from the Mataari Vandan Yojana and started the work of constructing a temple for Lord Shri Ram. He said that this is the most inspiring example of this scheme, that women are also using this amount for the preservation of society and culture.
Over 30 lakh women joined Self-Help Groups
The Chief Minister said that 2.86 lakh women's self-help groups are active in the state, with approximately 30 lakh women associated with them. They are being connected with the Ready-to-Eat program, and self-employment is being promoted by providing loans and other financial assistance.
Historic transformation from Naxalism to development in Bastar
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Bastar, which has been affected by Naxal violence for four to five decades, is now rapidly moving towards development. With the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the strong will of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the indomitable courage of the security forces, and the cooperation of the local population, peace has been established in Bastar. He said that along with establishing security camps, development schemes have also been pursued in parallel. Earlier, the benefits of schemes reached up to a five-kilometer radius of security camps, which has now been extended to ten kilometers.
Government reaches over 500 villages through 'Niyad Nella Naar'
The Chief Minister informed that under the Niyad Nella Naar scheme, over 500 villages have now been connected. More than 40 schemes from about 17 departments are being delivered to these villages. Ration cards, Ayushman cards, and other essential documents are being provided to the people here.
Health check-up for 36 lakh people
He informed that under the Chief Minister's Healthy Bastar Campaign, the health of approximately 36 lakh people has been examined, and critically ill patients have been referred to larger hospitals for better treatment. Meanwhile, through the Bastar Munne Yojana, officers are personally visiting remote villages to quickly resolve people's problems.
Bastar will become self-reliant through irrigation, agriculture, and tourism
The Chief Minister said that the Deurgaon and Matnar irrigation projects on the Indravati river in Bastar are proposed, which will irrigate about 80,000 acres of land. He said that places like Chitrakote Falls, Kutumsar Caves, the vast forests of Abujhmad, and villages like Dhudmaras are establishing Bastar on the global tourism map. Homestay has also been included in the new industrial policy, under which loans and subsidies will be available for the construction of homestays with up to five rooms.
The Chief Minister said that the income of local people is being increased by adding value to tamarind, mahua, harra, baheda, custard apple, and medicinal forest produce. In villages like Netanar, women are being given training in sewing, embroidery, packaging, and other livelihood-based skills through Seva Dera. An IIT team is also working on skill development according to local needs.
Strict law implemented against religious conversion
The Chief Minister said that religious conversion is a serious challenge for society. Studying the laws of various states, the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 has been implemented. Under this, both those who convert and those who facilitate conversion must follow the prescribed procedure. Strict action will be taken against those who convert through temptation, coercion, or deceit.
Rapid progress also towards a Uniform Civil Code
He informed that a committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of retired judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai for a Uniform Civil Code, and the state government is striving for concrete progress in this direction by the upcoming winter assembly session.
Investigation of PSC scam and government's priority on employment
The Chief Minister said that the CBI investigation into the PSC scam during the previous government's tenure is ongoing, and action is being taken against the culprits. He informed that the current government has provided employment to youths in various departments, and 5,000 teachers will also be recruited soon.
He said that it is not possible to provide government jobs to all youth, hence large-scale employment is being generated by promoting private investment and industries through the new industrial policy. In the last one and a half years, investment proposals worth more than 8 lakh crore rupees have been received by the state, which are expected to generate employment for lakhs of youth.
Women share their experiences
At the program, Mrs. Meena Dewangan from Balodabazar district thanked the Chief Minister for the Mataari Vandan Yojana and shared that she has started a bangle business with the money received from the scheme. Mrs. Saroj said that she is paying her child's school fees with this amount. Both women said that this scheme has played a significant role in strengthening their family's economic condition.