Women’s Dignity, Safety and Economic Independence Key to Prosperous Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Shri Sai
Chief Minister honours women achievers at Nari Shakti Samman Samaroh; over 13.85 lakh women become Lakhpati Didis, 481 Mahatari Sadan under construction
Raipur, August 30, 2026/ “When women move forward, families, society and the entire nation move forward with them.” Emphasising that women’s dignity, safety, equal opportunities and economic self-reliance are among the top priorities of his government, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that every girl in Chhattisgarh must have the opportunity to fulfil her dreams and every woman must be able to move ahead with confidence and self-respect. Shri Sai was addressing ‘Nari Shakti Samman Samaroh’, organised by Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College campus of Raipur. On the occasion, he honoured women who have made notable contributions in medicine, education, sports, cyber security, journalism, art and culture, agriculture, women’s entrepreneurship, social service and women’s safety. He also released a brochure on Nari Shakti Samman Samaroh.
Women Honoured Today are an Inspiration for the Next Generation
Congratulating the awardees, Shri Sai said they have built distinctive identities in their respective fields through hard work, talent, courage and determination. Their achievements represent more than individual success and serve as an inspiration to thousands of daughters striving to realise their dreams.
He said that honouring such women is, in essence, a tribute to the feminine power that instils values in families, gives direction to society and plays a vital role in nation-building. Women of Chhattisgarh are demonstrating their capabilities across fields ranging from agriculture and entrepreneurship to education, sports, social service and modern technology.
Shri Sai said that women have always held a place of the highest honour in Indian culture. Our scriptures say that where women are respected, divinity resides reflects the cultural consciousness in which women are regarded as the embodiment of strength, compassion, creation and values. References such as Lakshmi-Narayan, Uma-Maheshwar, Siya-Ram and Radha-Krishna, he said, symbolise this enduring ethos. State Government is translating these values into action through its policies and welfare programmes.
Women’s Commission Must Be a Strong Platform for Justice and Awareness
Congratulating the newly appointed Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women, Dr. Mamta Sahu, Shri Sai said that she has been entrusted with an important and sensitive responsibility. Her experience in social and public life, understanding of law and higher education would be valuable in discharging the responsibility, he said.
Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed confidence that under Dr. Mamta Sahu’s leadership, the Commission would play an effective role in securing justice for mothers and sisters across the State, protecting their rights and ensuring legal assistance reaches women in distress.
He said that the role of the Women’s Commission should not remain confined to resolving complaints. It should reach villages, towns, tribal areas and remote regions and create greater awareness among women about their legal and constitutional rights. Women, he said, must have the confidence that government and its institutions will stand with them sensitively whenever they face difficult circumstances.
Prime Minister Modi Has Opened New Avenues for Women
Shri Sai said that women in the country have gained a new identity, greater respect and unprecedented opportunities under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign has contributed to a positive change in social attitudes towards daughters, while historic decisions have also been taken to increase women’s participation and representation.
He said that the election of Smt. Droupadi Murmu to the highest constitutional office in the country is a matter of pride and inspiration for women across India. Prime Minister Shri Modi’s vision recognises that the journey towards a developed India cannot be completed without women’s leadership and active participation.
Mahatari Vandan Yojana Strengthening Women’s Confidence
Shri Sai said that economic self-reliance is the strongest foundation of women’s empowerment. Under Mahatari Vandan Yojana, more than 68 lakh women in Chhattisgarh are receiving monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000. As many as 31 instalments of the scheme have already been transferred to women’s bank accounts. He added that the assistance is not merely financial support but a means of strengthening women’s self-respect, confidence and ability to make independent decisions. Women in villages are using the money for everyday needs, children’s education, healthcare and self-employment activities.
Keeping the festival of Raksha Bandhan in mind, the government ensured that the assistance was transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts ahead of schedule. Shri Sai said the happiness and needs of the State’s mothers and sisters remain a priority for the government.
13.85 Lakh Women Become Lakhpati Didis
Shri Sai said that women across Chhattisgarh are writing a new story of economic self-reliance through self-help groups. Alongside tailoring and embroidery, agriculture and forest-produce-based activities, small industries and self-employment, women are also entering modern technology fields such as drone operations.
More than 13.85 lakh women in the State have now become Lakhpati Didis. Shri Sai said this is not merely a statistic but evidence of the positive economic transformation taking place in millions of families. The government is working to connect more women with skills, capital, markets and technology and create greater opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Mahatari Gaurav Varsh Dedicated to Women’s Contribution
Shri Sai said that State Government has decided to observe 2026 as Mahatari Gaurav Varsh, dedicated to recognising the contribution of Chhattisgarh’s women while creating new opportunities for their advancement. The government is working extensively from girls’ education to women’s economic self-reliance. The Saraswati Cycle Yojana is encouraging girls to continue their education. Under the Meri Beti, Mera Abhimaan initiative, approval has been given for the construction of 6,671 toilets for girls in government schools across the State, creating a better and more convenient environment for students.
To provide women’s self-help groups with suitable spaces for training, meetings and economic activities, 481 Mahatari Sadans are being constructed across the State. During his recent visit to Jashpur, three Mahatari Sadans were also inaugurated. The Ready-to-Eat programme is being operated through women’s self-help groups, creating new livelihood opportunities for women.
Property Ownership Strengthening Women’s Economic Position
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that property registration in women’s names is also being encouraged to strengthen their economic rights. Ownership of land and property, he said, improves women’s financial security and enhances their participation and decision-making role within families. Concessions provided by the government for property registration in women’s names are yielding positive results, with a large number of properties now being registered in women’s names.
Shri Sai said women’s empowerment cannot be limited to government schemes alone. It requires positive changes in both social attitudes and institutional systems. The government is working with a comprehensive approach to ensure that girls receive quality education, young women gain access to employment and entrepreneurship, women live with safety and dignity, and those facing difficulties receive swift justice.
“When a daughter is educated, an entire generation becomes educated. When a woman becomes self-reliant, the entire family moves forward with confidence,” Shri Sai said, adding that the vision of a prosperous and developed Chhattisgarh can be realised only through the dignity, safety and self-reliance of women.
Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu said that Women’s Commission is an important source of hope, trust and justice for women who are distressed or in need. Congratulating newly appointed Chairperson Dr. Mamta Sahu, he expressed confidence that under her leadership, the Commission would work effectively to protect women’s rights and promote their welfare.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that India is moving rapidly towards greater respect and empowerment of women under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Active participation of women, he said, is essential for the progress of families as well as the comprehensive development of society and the nation. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is also progressing rapidly towards becoming stronger, happier and self-reliant
Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade said that Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women is celebrating its Silver Jubilee Day on completion of 25 years. She described the occasion as an important milestone in the Commission’s long journey towards protecting women’s rights and dignity in the State. She said that Mahatari Vandan Yojana and other government initiatives have given renewed strength to women’s confidence and self-respect.
On the occasion, Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma, Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Laxmi Verma, MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, MLA Shri Motilal Sahu, Raipur Mayor Smt. Meenal Choubey, Ambikapur Municipal Corporation Mayor Smt. Manjusha Bhagat, Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women Chairperson Dr. Mamta Sahu, chairpersons of various corporations, boards and commissions, saints, a large number of public representatives, officials and distinguished women from different fields were also present.
