Raipur: Special Article: Self-reliant women, prosperous Chhattisgarh: A new chapter in women's empowerment
Dr. Daneshwari Sambhakar, Deputy Director
Raipur, July 2026

Self-reliant women, prosperous Chhattisgarh: A new chapter in women's empowerment

The true identity of any state's development is determined by the social status, economic participation, and involvement of its women in decision-making. When women become self-reliant, families are strengthened, society becomes progressive, and the pace of development increases manifold. Based on this vision, the Chhattisgarh government has made women's empowerment a key pillar of good governance. Celebrating the year 2026 as "Mahtihari Gaurav Varsh," several historic decisions have been taken to ensure women's respect, security, health, education, and economic self-reliance.

Self-reliant women, prosperous Chhattisgarh: A new chapter in women's empowerment.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, schemes implemented under the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade are bringing positive change to the lives of millions of women.
Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade stated that the state government's most significant initiative, the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, has become a powerful means of women's economic independence. Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on March 10, 2024, under this scheme, more than 6.6 million women in the state are receiving an amount of ₹1,000 per month directly into their bank accounts. So far, women have received over ₹18,805 crore in 29 installments. A provision of ₹8,200 crore has been made for the scheme in the 2026-27 budget.

Self-reliant women, prosperous Chhattisgarh: A new chapter in women's empowerment.
To secure the future of daughters, the state government is launching the Rani Durgavati Yojana. Under this scheme, financial assistance of ₹150,000 will be provided upon a girl's 18th birthday. A budget provision of ₹15 crore has been made for this. ₹120 crore has been allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and ₹80 crore for Mission Vatsalya.
To improve the health and nutrition of women and children, the government has allocated ₹800 crore for Anganwadi operations, ₹650 crore for supplementary nutrition, and ₹235 crore for malnutrition alleviation and nutrition programs in the 2026-27 budget. Additionally, ₹42 crore has been approved for the construction of 250 new Anganwadi centers in urban areas and 500 new Anganwadi centers in rural areas through convergence.
To provide a safe environment for women, Mahatari Sadans are being established in the state. So far, 368 Mahtari Sadans have been approved, of which 137 have been completed. A provision of ₹75 crore has been made for the construction of 250 new Mahtari Sadans in 2026-27. Through these centers, women are being connected to training, livelihood, and social activities.
To further enhance women's safety, the state government has operated 34 Sakhi One-Stop Centers in all 33 districts of the state. These centers provide legal assistance, medical care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter to women experiencing domestic violence, harassment, and distress. A rapid response system is also operating effectively in coordination with the women's helpline 181 and 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 accelerate women's economic progress, self-help groups are being linked to production and marketing. The state government is constructing a Unity Mall at a cost of ₹200 crore, providing a national market for products manufactured by women's groups. Women with outstanding work will be awarded the Yuva Ratna Award annually, and successful entrepreneurs will receive the opportunity to undertake study tours within the country and abroad through the Lakhpati Didi Yatra Yojana.
Under the Bihan Mission, more than 2.92 lakh women's self-help groups have been formed in the state, with over 31.65 lakh women associated with them. Chhattisgarh has achieved significant success in meeting the Prime Minister's target of 30 million Lakhpati Didis, having produced over 10.43 lakh Lakhpati Didis to date. Activities such as ready-to-eat manufacturing, agriculture-based enterprises, animal husbandry, food processing, and handicrafts have significantly increased the income of rural women.
Several schemes are being implemented for the social and economic security of women construction workers. Under the Chief Minister's Noni Empowerment Assistance Scheme, eligible daughters are provided with 20,000 rupees, under the Chief Minister's Sewing Machine Assistance Scheme, 7,900 rupees, under the Didi E-Rickshaw Assistance Scheme, a grant is provided, and under the Minimata Mahtari Jatan Scheme, pregnant women workers are provided with 20,000 rupees.

Under the Chief Minister's Kanya Vivah Yojana (Chief Minister's Marriage Scheme), more than 24,000 girls have been married in mass marriages so far. The state government is providing assistance of ₹50,000 for each couple's marriage. Under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana (Women's Prosperity Scheme), 42,878 women's groups have been provided concessional loans worth ₹129.46 crore. Through the Mahatari Shakti Loan Scheme, women are being provided unsecured loans of up to ₹25,000 for self-employment.
More than 3.8 million women in the state are benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Prime Minister's Ujjwala Yojana). Under the Sushiksha Yojana (Good Education Scheme), 2,18,139 girl students are receiving financial assistance of ₹500 per month. Through the Shuchita Yojana (Suchita Scheme), sanitary napkin vending machines have been installed in 2,000 schools, providing monthly hygiene supplies to millions of adolescent girls.
The products of women's groups are also gaining global recognition. The Jashpure brand, run by tribal women, has become a successful example of the "Vocal for Local" movement and is establishing itself in national and international markets. Initiatives like Sakhi Saree and Millet Cafe are playing a vital role in increasing women's incomes by providing markets for local products.
Today, women's empowerment in Chhattisgarh is not limited to schemes; it has become a comprehensive campaign for social change. Continuous efforts towards financial assistance, social security, quality nutrition, improved healthcare, skill development, self-employment, and a dignified life are opening doors to new opportunities for women. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, women of the state are playing a vital role in building a developed Chhattisgarh with self-confidence, self-reliance, and leadership capabilities. This changing landscape is continuously propelling Chhattisgarh towards "prosperity through good governance."