Self-Reliance and Smiles of Our Sisters Are Our Greatest Happiness: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
31st Instalment of Mahtari Vandan Yojana Transferred to Over 67 Lakh Women; More Than Rs 631 Crore Disbursed
Raipur, August 25, 2026/
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on August 25 transferred more than Rs 631.38 crore as the 31st instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana directly into the bank accounts of over 67 lakh women across Chhattisgarh, ahead of Raksha Bandhan.
At the Mahtari Vandan Samman Samaroh held at Lal Raghuveer Singh Stadium in Daundilohara, Balod district, the Chief Minister said that the self-reliance, confidence and smiles of the state’s women are among the government’s greatest sources of happiness and strength. Extending advance greetings for Raksha Bandhan, he said the September instalment is released on August 25 so that women could celebrate the festival with greater joy.
A total of Rs 631.38 crore is transferred to 67.28 lakh beneficiaries across the state. Of these, 2 lakh 45 thousand 28 beneficiaries are from Balod district.
Mahtari Vandan Strengthening Women’s Economic Independence
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is not merely a monthly financial assistance programme but an initiative aimed at strengthening women’s confidence and economic independence. Women are using the assistance for healthcare, nutrition, children’s education, savings, household requirements and small livelihood activities, he said.
The Chief Minister said that nearly Rs 20,000 crore has been transferred to women under the scheme over the past two and a half years. He said the State Government is implementing the guarantee given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with a commitment to the economic empowerment of women in Chhattisgarh.
During the programme, Chief Minister Shri Sai interacted with five beneficiaries and heard how regular financial assistance had helped them meet everyday needs and strengthened their ability to take economic decisions.
He said the scheme achieves its true purpose when women use the assistance to secure their families’ future, educate their children, build savings or move towards self-employment. The government, he added, is committed to creating opportunities for every woman in Chhattisgarh to become self-reliant and fulfil her aspirations.
Over 13.85 Lakh Women Become Lakhpati Didis
Highlighting other initiatives for women’s empowerment, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that more than 13.85 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didis, surpassing the target. Women associated with self-help groups are strengthening their livelihoods and establishing enterprises across the state.
Referring to the Drone Didi initiative, he said women are increasingly adopting modern technology and earning income by providing drone-based agricultural services, including spraying fertilisers and other agricultural inputs. Such initiatives, he said, will strengthen the foundation of a developed Chhattisgarh.
Development Works Worth Nearly Rs 102 Crore for Balod
The Chief Minister also dedicated and performed Bhoomi Pujan for various development works worth nearly Rs 102 crore in Balod district and announced several new projects for Daundilohara.
The announcements included a fully equipped auditorium in Nagar Panchayat Daundilohara, lift irrigation at Kharkhara Reservoir, renovation and reconstruction of its supplementary canal, and remodelling and lining of canals, along with headworks and a weir, at Dhanagaon Reservoir.
Chief Minister Shri Sai also announced Rs 5 crore for a culvert on the Masjid Chowk–Shastri Nagar road and the construction of the Sambalpur–Bhimkanhar–Mudiya road at a cost of nearly Rs 19 crore.
Among other works inaugurated or taken up for Bhoomi Pujan were the 12-km Umradah–Nipani road costing Rs 3.2 crore, the Arjunda–Odarsakri road costing Rs 26 crore and the Balod–Pikripar road costing Rs 2.5 crore.
Welfare Schemes Reaching Every Section
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central and State governments are working for the welfare of farmers, women, youth, tribal communities, low-income families and other sections of society.
He said the State Government has rapidly implemented major commitments under Modi Ki Guarantee. Referring to key initiatives, he said low-income families are receiving pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. At the same time, paddy is being procured from farmers up to 21 quintals per acre at Rs 3,100 per quintal. Tendupatta are being procured at Rs 5,500 per standard bag.
He also highlighted financial assistance to landless families under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Bhumiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyan Yojana, as well as the opportunity for devotees to visit Ayodhya under the Ramlala Darshan Yojana.
Bastar Entering New Era of Peace and Development
Referring to Bastar, Chief Minister Shri Sai said the region had remained deprived of development for decades due to Naxalism, but is now moving towards a new era of peace, trust and development.
He said that with the resolve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and the courage of the security forces, basic infrastructure and public services are expanding in previously inaccessible areas. Roads, electricity, drinking water, education, healthcare and mobile connectivity are reaching remote villages, while the PM-JANMAN Yojana is extending basic facilities and welfare benefits to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
The Chief Minister said the improving security environment is creating new possibilities for tourism, industry, employment and economic development in Bastar.
Women’s Empowerment Key to Developed Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh is working in accordance with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ to ensure that development and welfare schemes reach the last person.
He said women’s economic empowerment, farmers’ prosperity, opportunities for youth, development of tribal regions and the welfare of low-income families will form the foundations of a Developed Chhattisgarh and contribute to the vision of a Developed India.
Kanker Lok Sabha MP Shri Bhojraj Nag appreciated the organisation of the Mahtari Vandan Samman Samaroh ahead of Raksha Bandhan. He said the State Government is accelerating Chhattisgarh’s development in coordination with the Central Government.
Former MP Ms Saroj Pandey described the transfer of the 31st instalment as an important step towards strengthening women’s dignity and economic empowerment.
Public representatives, Mahtari Vandan Yojana beneficiaries and a large number of citizens were present at the programme.
