Special Article: Self-Reliant Women, Prosperous Chhattisgarh: A New Chapter in Women's Empowerment
Self-Reliant Women, Prosperous Chhattisgarh: A New Chapter in Women's Empowerment
The true measure of a state's development is reflected in the social status, economic participation, and involvement in decision-making processes of its women. When women become self-reliant, families are empowered, society progresses, and the pace of development accelerates manifold. With this philosophy as its foundation, the Chhattisgarh government has made women's empowerment a cornerstone of good governance. Celebrating the year 2026 as 'Matari Gaurav Varsh' (Mother's Pride Year), numerous historic decisions have been taken concerning women's honor, security, health, education, and economic self-reliance.
Self-Reliant Women, Prosperous Chhattisgarh: A New Chapter in Women's Empowerment The schemes, operated under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and guidance of Minister for Women and Child Development Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade, are bringing about positive changes in the lives of millions of women today. Minister for Women and Child Development Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade stated that the state government's most significant initiative, the 'Matari Vandan Yojana' (Mother's Worship Scheme), has become a powerful medium for women's financial independence. Launched by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on March 10, 2024, this scheme is transferring Rs 1,000 per month directly into the bank accounts of over 6.6 million women in the state. So far, through 29 installments, more than Rs 18,805 crore has been disbursed to women. An allocation of Rs 8,200 crore has been made for the scheme in the budget for 2026-27.
Self-Reliant Women, Prosperous Chhattisgarh: A New Chapter in Women's Empowerment To secure the future of daughters, the state government is launching the Rani Durgavati Yojana. Under this scheme, a financial assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh will be provided upon a girl completing 18 years of age. A budget of Rs 15 crore has been allocated for this purpose. Additionally, Rs 120 crore has been arranged for the Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana and Rs 80 crore for Mission Vatsalya. For the improved health and nutrition of women and children, the government has allocated Rs 800 crore for Anganwadi operations in the 2026-27 budget, Rs 650 crore for supplementary nutrition, and Rs 235 crore for malnutrition eradication and nutrition schemes. Alongside this, Rs 42 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of 250 new Anganwadi centers in urban areas and 500 in rural areas through convergence. With the objective of providing a safe environment for women, 'Matari Sadan' (Mother's Homes) are being established in the state. So far, 368 Matari Sadans have been approved, with construction completed in 137. An allocation of Rs 75 crore has been made for the construction of 250 new Matari Sadans in 2026-27. These centers are connecting women with training, livelihood opportunities, and social activities. To make women's safety more effective, the state government operates 34 Sakhhi One-Stop Centers across all 33 districts of the state. Here, women facing domestic violence, harassment, and those in distress are provided with legal aid, medical facilities, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter at a single location. The coordinated efforts of the Women's Helpline 181 and emergency service 112 are also ensuring swift assistance. Chhattisgarh has become the first state in the country to implement digital SOPs for the operation of Sakhhi One-Stop Centers. To accelerate women's economic progress, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are being integrated with production and marketing. The state government is constructing Unity Malls at a cost of Rs 200 crore, which will provide national market access for products manufactured by women's groups. Furthermore, women performing excellent work will be honored annually with the 'Yuva Ratna Samman' (Youth Jewel Award), and the 'Lakhpati Didi Bhraman Yojana' will provide successful entrepreneurs opportunities for study tours abroad. Under the 'Bihan Mission', over 2.92 lakh women's Self-Help Groups have been formed in the state, with more than 31.65 lakh women associated with them. Chhattisgarh has achieved significant success towards Prime Minister's goal of three crore 'Lakhpati Didis' (Women Earning Lakhs), having created over 10.43 lakh Lakhpati Didis so far. Activities such as ready-to-eat production, agriculture-based enterprises, animal husbandry, food processing, and handicrafts have significantly increased the income of rural women.
Various schemes are being implemented for the social and economic security of women construction workers. Under the Mukhyamantri Noni Sashaktikaran Sahayata Yojana, eligible daughters receive Rs 20,000; under the Mukhyamantri Silaai Machine Sahayata Yojana, Rs 7,900; grants are provided under the Didi E-Rickshaw Sahayata Yojana; and pregnant women workers receive Rs 20,000 under the Mini Mata Mahatari Jatan Yojana.
Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana (Chief Minister's Daughter's Marriage Scheme), mass weddings of over 24,000 girls have been facilitated so far. The state government provides financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for the marriage of each couple. Under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, subsidized loans amounting to Rs 129.46 crore have been provided to 42,878 women's groups. The 'Mahatari Shakti Rin Yojana' offers women loans up to Rs 25,000 without collateral for self-employment. In the state, over 38 lakh women are benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Under the Sushiksha Yojana, 2,18,139 girl students are receiving monthly financial assistance of Rs 500. Through the Shuchita Yojana, sanitary napkin vending machines have been installed in 2,000 schools, and millions of adolescent girls are being provided with menstrual hygiene materials. The products of women's groups are now gaining global recognition. The 'Jashpur' brand, operated by tribal women, has become a successful example of the 'Vocal for Local' campaign and is establishing its identity in national and international markets. Initiatives like Sakhi Saree and Millet Cafe are playing a significant role in providing market access to local products and increasing women's income. Today, women's empowerment in Chhattisgarh is not confined to schemes; it has become a comprehensive campaign for social change. Continuous efforts in the direction of financial assistance, social security, quality nutrition, better health services, skill development, self-employment, and dignified living are opening new avenues in women's lives. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and the guidance of Minister for Women and Child Development Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade, women of the state are playing a vital role in building a developed Chhattisgarh with confidence, self-reliance, and leadership capabilities. This transforming picture is continuously propelling Chhattisgarh towards 'Prosperity through Good Governance'.
Dr. Daneswhari Sambharkar, Deputy Director Raipur