Sisters' affection and blessings are invaluable to me: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Hearty joy of Raksha Bandhan at the Chief Minister's residence, mothers and sisters from various fields tied rakhis to the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister said - Respect, security, and economic empowerment of sisters are top priorities of our government.
68 lakh women get economic support from Mahtari Vandan, 13.85 lakh women in Chhattisgarh become Lakhpati Didis.
Drone Didis, E-rickshaw Didis, and sisters from Self-Help Groups are becoming the new identity of self-reliant Chhattisgarh.
Raipur, The festival of Raksha Bandhan was celebrated today at the Chief Minister's residence in an atmosphere of affection, warmth, and joy. Mothers and sisters from various fields of society reached the Chief Minister's residence and tied rakhis on the wrist of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, bestowing their affection and blessings. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai warmly welcomed all the sisters and said that this affection from the sisters is invaluable to him and their blessings further strengthen his resolve to serve the state.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that Raksha Bandhan is a sacred festival of unbreakable affection, trust, and warmth between brothers and sisters. A sister ties a rakhi on her brother's wrist, wishing him a happy and prosperous life, while the brother pledges to always stand by his sister in protecting her honor, ensuring her safety, and supporting her through thick and thin.
The Chief Minister said, "It is a great fortune for me that all of you sisters from different sections of society have come to the Chief Minister's residence to celebrate the holy festival of Raksha Bandhan. Your affection and blessings inspire me to work with even more dedication for the welfare of the mothers and sisters of the state."
In the program, Smt. Sarla Dubey, wife of late Colonel Ashok Kumar Dubey, tied a rakhi to Chief Minister Shri Sai. Mentioning this heartfelt moment, the Chief Minister said that late Colonel Ashok Kumar Dubey was the first soldier from Chhattisgarh to join the army. Tying a rakhi from his wife, Smt. Dubey, is a particularly emotional and proud moment for him.
In the program, Savita Didi and Smriti Didi from Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, Smt. Savitri Jaiswal, Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Women's Commission Smt. Mamta Sahu, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Ms. Mona Sen, along with women journalists, sisters from self-help groups, Lakhpati Didis, Drone Didis, E-rickshaw Didis, Team Prahari, women from various communities, and differently-abled sisters tied rakhis to the Chief Minister.
Rakhi tied on the wrists of soldiers carries the sentiment of respect for the nation.
Chief Minister Shri Sai, while mentioning the 'Sneh Ki Dor' program organized in the capital Raipur, said that it was a very pleasant experience to connect the festival of Raksha Bandhan with the sentiment of respect and gratitude towards the soldiers dedicated to the security of the country and the state.
He said that sisters from self-help groups, differently-abled sisters, and women from the families of martyred soldiers expressed their affection and respect by tying rakhis to approximately 1600 soldiers of various security forces, including CRPF, BSF, CISF, and ITBP. Our soldiers, even during festivals, remain away from their families to fulfill their duty of protecting the country and the state. It is our responsibility to express respect towards such brave soldiers.
Chief Minister praised the courage and dedication of women journalists.
Chief Minister Shri Sai, while specially welcoming the women journalists present at the program, said that journalism is a task of courage, sensitivity, and responsibility. Our women journalists are informing society about national and international events while fulfilling their duties in many challenging circumstances.
Sharing a heartfelt anecdote, the Chief Minister mentioned that upon returning from his Delhi visit this morning, journalist sister Jigyasa tied him a rakhi at the airport, expressing her affection.
The Chief Minister said that today, sisters from self-help groups, Lakhpati Didis, Drone Didis, E-rickshaw Didis, Scaffolding Plate Didis, and Mitanin Didis are setting new examples of women's empowerment in their respective fields. The 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayat elections has further strengthened the role of women in local leadership. Today, many Sarpanch Didis are giving new direction to the development of villages with their leadership and innovation.
Mahtari Vandan Yojana has boosted women's confidence.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the economic empowerment of women is among the top priorities of the government. With this objective, through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, financial assistance of one thousand rupees is being provided monthly to approximately 68 lakh women in the state.
He said that to enable the mothers and sisters of the state to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with enthusiasm and joy, the 31st installment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, amounting to over 631 crore rupees, was transferred to the sisters' bank accounts on August 25, ahead of the scheduled time.
The Chief Minister said that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is not just a financial assistance scheme, but it has boosted the confidence of women. Sisters are using this amount for their small needs, children's education, health, savings, and livelihood-related activities.
Chhattisgarh surpasses target, 13.85 lakh women become Lakhpati Didis.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has resolved to make the women of the country economically self-reliant and empower them as 'Lakhpati Didis'. The target is to make 6 crore women Lakhpati Didis nationwide.
He said that Chhattisgarh was given a target of making 8 lakh women Lakhpati Didis, but the state has surpassed the target, making 13 lakh 85 thousand women Lakhpati Didis in the last two years. This is a testament to the hard work, confidence, and entrepreneurship of the mothers and sisters of Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister, mentioning the Drone Didi Yojana, said that village women are now connecting with modern technology. By spraying fertilizers and pesticides in fields using drones, they are increasing their income. Spraying per acre yields an income of about 300 rupees, and by working in 20 to 25 acres, Drone Didis are earning up to 6 to 7 thousand rupees daily.
New paths to self-reliance are opening with E-rickshaws and Scaffolding Plates.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that women are not just beneficiaries of schemes but are being made strong partners in economic activities and the development process. Sisters from self-help groups are now moving forward in new fields along with traditional livelihood activities.
He said that under the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme, a large number of houses are being constructed in the state, with approximately 1600 houses being built daily. Women from self-help groups are earning a good income by engaging in the business of scaffolding plates used in the construction of these houses.
Chief Minister, mentioning the E-rickshaw Didis, said that 92 E-rickshaw Didis in Naya Raipur are setting new examples of self-reliance. He informed that during his visit to Jashpur, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, 50 sisters in his village Bagia were provided with E-rickshaws. E-rickshaws are becoming not just a means of transportation for sisters, but a medium of respectable livelihood and economic self-reliance.
Special incentives in the new industrial policy to make women entrepreneurs.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the government's aim is to make the women of the state so economically empowered that they establish their own enterprises and provide employment to others as well. Regular funds received in women's bank accounts through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana have also strengthened their financial credibility, and banks are coming forward to provide them with business loans.
He said that a 50 percent discount on registration fees is being given for land registries in the names of women. In the last two and a half years, registrations have been done in the names of approximately 30,000 women.
The Chief Minister said that the new industrial development policy of Chhattisgarh includes special concessions and incentives for women entrepreneurs. The state has so far received investment proposals worth approximately 8.50 lakh crore rupees. He called upon women to study the provisions available in the industrial policy and move forward in the direction of entrepreneurship.
He said that the government wants the sisters of Chhattisgarh not to be limited to jobs and self-employment, but to become successful entrepreneurs and play a significant role in the economic development of the state.
A new chapter of peace and development in Bastar with the end of Naxalism.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Naxalism has been a major obstacle to the development of Chhattisgarh for a long time. With the leadership 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, decisive success has been achieved against Naxalism.
He said that in the areas where there was once an environment of violence and fear, a new beginning of peace, trust, and development has now begun. The government is rapidly expanding facilities related to roads, education, health, communication, and livelihood, so that the full benefit of government schemes reaches the areas that have been left behind from the mainstream of development.
Chief Minister, mentioning the Pahalgam terrorist attack, said that terrorists had widowed many sisters, but India responded with determination against terrorism. He said that today's India is a strong nation that believes in peace, does not provoke anyone, but also knows how to give a fitting reply to those who challenge the country's security and self-respect.
The role of motherhood is important in the creation of a developed Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has resolved to make India a developed nation by the year 2047. In accordance with the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas' (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, and Effort of all), Chhattisgarh is also playing its important role in building a developed India.
He said that Chhattisgarh is a state rich in natural and mineral resources, forest wealth, fertile land, and natural beauty. The simplicity, ease, and warmth of its people have created the identity of "Chhattisgarhiya Sabse Badhiya" (Chhattisgarhian is the Best) across the country.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the dream of a developed Chhattisgarh cannot be fulfilled without the empowerment of motherhood. The government's resolve is that every mother and sister of the state receives respect and security, becomes economically self-reliant, and gets full opportunities to progress according to her potential and talent.
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, he extended best wishes to all the mothers and sisters of the state and said that the affection, trust, and blessings of the sisters are the strength of the government. It is through the strength of motherhood that a strong family, a prosperous society, and a developed Chhattisgarh will be built.