Self-Reliant Women, Prosperous Chhattisgarh Under Vishnu Bhaiya's Leadership: A New Chapter of Women Empowerment
Special Article • Dr. Daneswari Sambhakar, Deputy Director Raipur, The true identity of a state's development is determined by the social status of its women, their economic participation, and their involvement in decision-making processes. When women become self-reliant, the family is empowered, society becomes progressive, and the pace of development increases manifold. Based on this ideology, 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), many historic decisions have been taken for the honor, safety, health, education, and economic self-reliance of women.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, the implemented schemes are bringing positive changes to the lives of millions of women today.
Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade stated that the state government's most significant initiative, the Matari Vandan Yojana, has become a strong medium for women's economic independence. Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on March 10, 2024, this scheme is transferring an amount of one thousand rupees per month directly into the bank accounts of over 6.6 million women in the state. So far, more than 19,444 crore rupees have been disbursed to women through 30 installments. An allocation of 8,200 crore rupees has been made for the scheme in the budget for 2026-27.
To secure the future of daughters, the state government is launching the Rani Durgawati Yojana. Under this scheme, financial assistance of 1 lakh 50 thousand rupees will be provided to a girl upon completing 18 years of age. A budget of 15 crore rupees has been allocated for this. Additionally, 120 crore rupees have been arranged for the Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana and 80 crore rupees for Mission Vatsalya.
For the better health and nutrition of women and children, the government has allocated 800 crore rupees for Anganwadi operations, 650 crore rupees for supplementary nutrition, and 235 crore rupees for malnutrition eradication and nutrition schemes in the budget for 2026-27. Furthermore, 42 crore rupees have been sanctioned for the construction of 250 new Anganwadi centers in urban areas and 500 new centers in rural areas through convergence.
With the objective of providing a safe environment for women, Matari Sadans are being established in the state. Approval has been granted for 368 Matari Sadans so far, with the construction of 137 completed. An allocation of 75 crore rupees has been made for the construction of 250 new Matari Sadans in 2026-27. These centers are connecting women with training, livelihood, and social activities. To make women's safety more effective, the state government operates 34 Sakhi One-Stop Centers in all 33 districts of the state. Here, legal aid, medical facilities, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter are provided in one place to women facing domestic violence, harassment, and crises. The quick assistance system is also functioning effectively through coordination between the women's helpline 181 and the emergency service 112. Chhattisgarh has become the first state in the country to implement digital SOPs for the operation of Sakhi One-Stop Centers.
To give new momentum to women's economic progress, self-help groups are being linked with production and marketing. The state government is constructing Unity Malls at a cost of 200 crore rupees, which will provide access to national markets for products manufactured by women's groups. Additionally, women performing excellent work will be honored annually with the Yuva Ratna Award, and successful entrepreneurs will get opportunities for study tours abroad through the Lakhpati Didi Bhraman Yojana. Under the Bihar Mission, more than 2.92 lakh women self-help groups have been formed in the state, connecting over 31.65 lakh women. Chhattisgarh has achieved remarkable success in Prime Minister's goal of three crore Lakhpati Didis, creating more than 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 Chief Minister's Noni Sashaktikaran Sahayata Yojana, eligible daughters receive 20 thousand rupees. Under the Chief Minister's Sewing Machine Assistance Yojana, 7,900 rupees are provided. Subsidies are given under the Didi E-Rickshaw Assistance Yojana, and pregnant women construction workers receive 20 thousand rupees under the Minamata Matari Jatan Yojana.
Under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, mass marriages of over 24,000 girls have been organized so far. The state government is providing financial assistance of 50 thousand rupees for the marriage of each couple. Through the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, 42,878 women's groups have been provided with concessional loans amounting to 129.46 crore rupees. Under the Matari Shakti Rin Yojana, women are provided with loans up to 25 thousand rupees without collateral for self-employment.
More than 3.8 million women in the state are benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Under the Sushiksha Yojana, 2,18,139 female students are receiving financial assistance of 500 rupees per month. Through the Shuchita Yojana, sanitary napkin vending machines have been installed in 2,000 schools, and monthly sanitary materials are being provided to millions of adolescent girls.
The products of women's groups are now gaining global recognition. The Jashpur brand, run 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 just limited to schemes; it has become a broad campaign of social change. Continuous efforts towards financial assistance, social security, quality nutrition, better health services, skill development, self-employment, and a dignified life are opening doors to new opportunities in women's lives. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, the women of the state are playing a significant role in building a developed Chhattisgarh with confidence, self-reliance, and leadership capabilities. This changing scenario is continuously advancing Chhattisgarh towards "Good Governance to Prosperity."