- Chief Minister Shri Sai attended the Teej Milan ceremony held at the residence of Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma
- Over 68 lakh mothers and sisters are receiving monthly financial support through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana
- 13.85 lakh women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ marking a step towards self-employment and self-reliance
- A Film City is being developed at a cost of ₹650 crore; it will provide new opportunities for Chhattisgarh’s art, culture, and local talent
- The Chief Minister honored artists who have made significant contributions to the fields of folk art and culture
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Teej Milan ceremony held today at the residence of Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma. Amidst an atmosphere of traditional joy and warmth, the Chief Minister met with mothers and sisters and extended his greetings for the Teej festival. He remarked that the power of motherhood holds a special place in the culture and traditions of Chhattisgarh. Ensuring the respect, safety, and economic empowerment of mothers and sisters is among the state government’s top priorities.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the festival of Teej is deeply connected to our rich culture, family values, and close-knit relationships. This festival, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is an occasion to pray for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the family. He prayed to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the happy, prosperous, and healthy lives of all the mothers, sisters, and their families across the state.
The Chief Minister noted that although the Teej festival has concluded, the opportunity to gather with so many mothers and sisters for this ‘Teej Milan’ (celebratory gathering) is truly delightful and heartwarming. He recalled having the opportunity to share the festive joy with sisters from across the state at the Chief Minister’s residence during Teej as well. He added that the beauty of our traditions lies in how they connect us with our families and society, while strengthening bonds of mutual love and affection.
- Matri-Shakti (Motherhood/Womanhood) Accorded the Highest Honor in Sanatan Culture
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that in Indian Sanatan culture, Matri-Shakti has been accorded the highest honor since ancient times. The message of respect and dignity for women is embedded in our Vedas, Puranas, and social traditions. Our culture proclaims—”Yatra Naryastu Pujyante Ramante Tatra Devatah”—meaning that where women are honored, the deities reside.
The Chief Minister remarked that a mother is the family’s first teacher and the cornerstone of values. It is through the hard work, sacrifice, and blessings of mothers and sisters that a family grows strong; a strong family, in turn, builds an empowered society and a prosperous state. Therefore, the state government views women not merely as beneficiaries of schemes but as equal partners in building a developed Chhattisgarh.
- Mahtari Vandan Yojana Boosts the Self-Confidence of Sisters
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become an effective medium for the economic empowerment of the state’s mothers and sisters. Under this scheme, a sum of ₹1,000 is being directly transferred every month to the bank accounts of over 68 lakh women. So far, more than ₹20,000 crore has been disbursed to the accounts of beneficiary women across 31 installments.
He expressed that the positive change this scheme has brought to the lives of mothers and sisters gives him immense satisfaction. Sisters are utilizing these funds for personal and family needs, as well as for their children’s education, savings, and small-scale self-employment ventures. Some are securing their daughters’ futures by depositing the money into the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, while others are purchasing sewing machines to turn their skills into a livelihood. This financial support is strengthening women’s self-confidence and their decision-making capabilities.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the government is striving to ensure that every woman in the state receives the opportunities, resources, and necessary support to progress. When our mothers and sisters become economically empowered, families will strengthen, and the progress of the entire state will gain new momentum. 13.85 Lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ Emerge as a New Symbol of Women’s Empowerment
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the objective of women’s empowerment is not merely to provide financial assistance, but to make mothers and sisters self-reliant by connecting them with sustainable livelihoods, skills, and self-employment opportunities. So far, 13.85 lakh women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women earning an annual income of at least one lakh rupees). This presents a heartening picture of a transforming and self-reliant Chhattisgarh.
He noted that women associated with self-help groups are currently boosting their family incomes through various economic activities and small businesses. Many women are moving towards self-employment by leveraging the financial support received from the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ and utilizing banking facilities. This growing economic participation of women is not only bringing prosperity to families but also strengthening the state’s economy.
- Chhattisgarh’s Art and Culture to Gain New Recognition Nationally and Globally
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that Chhattisgarh is renowned for its distinctive folk art, culture, traditions, and natural beauty. The state’s cultural heritage defines its identity and serves as a source of strength. The state government is making continuous efforts to preserve this heritage and showcase it to the new generation, the nation, and the world.
He mentioned that a ‘Film City’ is being developed at a cost of approximately ₹650 crore to promote film production in the state. This initiative will expand the scope for film production and shooting in Chhattisgarh, creating employment and opportunities for local artists, technicians, and the youth.new opportunities for showcasing talent will be created, and the state’s tourism sector will also receive a boost.
The Chief Minister stated that artists play an invaluable role in keeping Chhattisgarh’s folk art and culture alive. Through their talent, our artists are sharing the essence of Chhattisgarh’s soil and its traditions with the rest of the country and the world. The state government will continue to encourage artists and cultural talents to excel.
- Expansion of basic amenities transforms Chhattisgarh
Referring to the tenure of Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that extensive work was done during his 15-year term to expand basic amenities such as roads, electricity, drinking water, and food security. A robust system was developed to deliver food grains to needy families by making the Public Distribution System effective; this earned Dr. Raman Singh the popular moniker ‘Chaunr Wale Baba’ (The Rice Man) in the state.
The Chief Minister said that today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central and state governments are working together to ensure that public welfare schemes reach the last person in the queue. Integrating the poor, farmers, women, youth, and marginalized sections into the mainstream of development is a priority for the government.
- New momentum for public welfare and development under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is advancing towards the resolve of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) guided by 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, too, is moving forward with full commitment to play a strong role in building a developed India.
He mentioned that approval has been granted for 1.8 million (18 lakh) houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and approximately 1,600 houses are being constructed daily. Central and state government schemes are being rapidly implemented to provide basic amenities—such as housing, drinking water, electricity, and roads—to villages.
Recalling the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Minister noted that the country not only ensured the safety of its citizens by developing indigenous vaccines but also extended assistance to numerous other nations. He mentioned that on September 17—marking both Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday—the people of Chhattisgarh expressed their affection and best wishes for the Prime Minister by lighting lamps in their homes. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the mothers, sisters, and citizens of the state for their enthusiastic participation in this gesture.
- Chhattisgarh Advancing with Peace, Trust, and Development
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Chhattisgarh has achieved significant success against Naxalism through the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the leadership of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the courage of security forces, and the cooperation of local citizens. In areas where fear and violence once hindered the path of progress, new opportunities for development are now emerging alongside peace and trust.
He noted that nature has richly endowed Chhattisgarh with forest wealth, forest produce, mineral resources, and fertile agricultural land. The government is committed to taking the state to new heights of development by utilizing these resources effectively for the public good. The participation, hard work, and blessings of mothers and sisters are crucial in this journey towards a developed Chhattisgarh.
- Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma Welcomes Mothers and Sisters with a Folk Song
Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma remarked that it was a privilege for him to welcome mothers and sisters to his residence on the occasion of Teej. The presence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai made the event even more special.
Recalling the struggles of his early life, Shri Verma mentioned that electricity reached his village for the first time when he was in the eighth grade, and there was not even a proper road connecting the village. He noted that after 2003, basic amenities and development works expanded rapidly across the state’s villages. Today, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is moving forward on the path of development and prosperity. He expressed that serving the public as a minister in the state government—having come from a farming family—is a matter of great pride and good fortune for him.
On this occasion, Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma welcomed the mothers and sisters by performing a Chhattisgarhi folk song. Their performance further enlivened the celebration, highlighting the spirit of Chhattisgarhi culture and the Teej festival.
- Honoring Artists Who Enrich Folk Art and Culture
Artists who have brought recognition to Chhattisgarh’s folk art and culture—both nationally and internationally—were honored at the event. While felicitating the artists, Chief Minister Shri Sai commended their contributions.
The Chief Minister stated that artists play a vital role in preserving and promoting Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity and passing it on to the next generation. Our folk arts, folk songs, folk dances, and traditions are not merely cultural heritage; they are vibrant expressions of our roots and social life.
- Chief Minister Offers Prayers to Lord Ganesha for the State’s Prosperity
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai visited the residence of Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma, where the idol of Lord Ganesha—the remover of obstacles—was installed. He performed rituals to worship the deity and sought His blessings. Praying to Ganpati Bappa for happiness, peace, and prosperity in the lives of all the people of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister also sought blessings for the state’s continued progress and well-being.