- Dr. Daneshwari Sambhakar
- Deputy Director, Public Relations Department
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Chhattisgarh is today undergoing a significant and historic phase in women’s empowerment. Giving top priority to the respect, security, and self-reliance of women, the state government has declared this year as the “Mahatari Gaurav Varsh.” This initiative is not merely a formal announcement, but a strong commitment to place women at the center of the state’s development journey.
From trust to construction and now to pride,
Chief Minister Shri Sai dedicated the first year of his tenure as ‘Vishwas Varsh’ to restore trust between the government and the public. After this, the second year was celebrated as ‘Atal Nirman Varsh’ in the memory of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, giving new impetus to infrastructure development and public welfare schemes. Now the third year has been dedicated to mothers and sisters as ‘Mahathari Gaurav Varsh’, in which women will be the focus of most of the state’s schemes. This sequence clearly reflects the government’s vision of sensitive and inclusive development.
Mahtari Vandan Yojana: A Foundation of Self-Respect and Economic Security
The Chhattisgarh government’s Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become a strong pillar of women’s empowerment. Under this scheme, approximately 7 million married women in the state are being provided monthly assistance of ₹1,000 directly into their bank accounts. So far, more than ₹15,595 crore has been disbursed to women through DBT. Recently, the 24th installment of ₹641 crore was disbursed to more than 6.8 million women. This regular financial support is boosting women’s self-confidence and empowering them financially. Many women are investing this money in self-employment and small businesses, not just for household expenses.
From Struggle to Self-Reliance: The Inspiring Story of Rohini Patel
Mrs. Rohini Patel of Khairdih village in Balod district is an inspiring example. After her husband’s untimely death, the responsibility of the family fell on her shoulders. Caring for her elderly mother-in-law and the education of her two college-going children were significant challenges. In these difficult times, the Mahatari Vandan Yojana (Mahatma Vandan Yojana) became a ray of hope for her. She carefully saved the funds she received from the scheme and began vegetable production on her farm. She arranged for seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural materials and worked diligently.
Today, Mrs. Rohini Patel earns a regular income by selling fresh vegetables grown in her field to local markets. With this income, she meets her family’s needs and ensures her children’s education continues uninterrupted. Her efforts have become an inspiration for other women in the village.
Life Changed by Bihan: Mrs. Maheshwari Yadav Becomes ‘Lakhpati Didi’
Mrs. Maheshwari Yadav of Korda village in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district is an inspiring example of women’s empowerment. Previously, her life was limited to household responsibilities like that of a typical housewife. However, after joining the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan), her life underwent a major transformation.
With the support of the group and her family, she opened a small grocery store in the village. Through her hard work and excellent management, this store gradually became a trusted hub in the village. Today, she earns approximately 1 to 1.5 lakh rupees annually from this store, and she has become a ‘Lakhpati Didi’. This has significantly improved her children’s education and her family’s financial situation.
New identity through modern technology: ‘Drone Didi’ Ms. Seema Verma
Ms. Seema Verma of Masturi area of Bilaspur district has also proved that if given opportunity and training, women can make a new identity in the field of modern technology.
After joining the self-help group, she first started mushroom production and later received training in drone operation. With the help of the government, she was provided with a drone set, generator and e-vehicle.
Today, Seema Verma is spraying pesticides in farmers’ fields through drones and is earning a respectable income from this work. People in the village affectionately know her as ‘Drone Didi’.
Women’s welfare has been given top priority in the budget.
The state government has made a budget provision of Rs 8,245 crore for the Women and Child Development Department. A
provision of Rs 2,320 crore has been made for Anganwadi and nutrition schemes, Rs 120 crore for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Rs 80 crore for Mission Vatsalya and Rs 15 crore for Rani Durgavati Yojana.
Apart from this, Rs 42 crore has been approved for the construction of 750 new Anganwadi centres and Rs 75 crore for the construction of 250 Mahatari Sadans. This budgetary provision reflects the government’s commitment towards the overall development of women and children.
The state has also developed an effective system for women’s safety , providing robust security, health, and dignity
. Quick assistance in times of crisis is provided through One Stop Centers, the 181 Women’s Helpline, and Dial 112. Under the Sukhad Sahara Scheme, financial assistance is being provided to more than 218,000 widows and abandoned women.
From Self-Reliance to Leadership:
Over 42,000 women self-help groups in the state have been economically empowered by providing them concessional loans. Assigning ready-to-eat work to women groups has provided them with a sustainable source of income. Additionally, initiatives like Digital Sakhi, Didi e-Rickshaw, Sewing Machine Assistance, Minimata Mahatari Jatan Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi are providing new livelihood opportunities to women.
According to Women and Child Development Minister, Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, empowering women and providing them with a safe and respectful environment is the government’s top priority.
A strong foundation for a developed Chhattisgarh,
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai clarified that in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India, the state is being moved forward towards inclusive development through ‘Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision 2047’, in which the active participation of women has been considered an essential element.
‘Mahatari Gaurav Varsh’ is not just an administrative initiative, but a comprehensive campaign of social awareness. This year brings with it a resolve to elevate the respect, self-confidence, and leadership of women in Chhattisgarh to new heights. Today, the women of the state are writing a new story of development with self-reliance, innovation, and leadership. This empowered women power will become the strongest foundation for a developed and prosperous Chhattisgarh.