Self-Reliant Women, Prosperous Chhattisgarh: A New Chapter in Women’s Empowerment

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presents financial assistance to a woman beneficiary during a government programme highlighting women’s empowerment and livelihood initiatives in Chhattisgarh-Photo Credit-primelookindia.com via CG/PR

Government initiatives are transforming the lives of millions through financial inclusion, social security and entrepreneurship

A state’s true progress is reflected in the status of its women—their social standing, economic participation and role in decision-making. When women become self-reliant, families grow stronger, communities become more progressive and the pace of development accelerates. Guided by this vision, the Government of Chhattisgarh has placed women’s empowerment at the centre of its governance agenda.

Women associated with a Self-Help Group work on income-generating activities under livelihood promotion initiatives, symbolising the growing economic participation and self-reliance of women in Chhattisgarh.Photo Credit- primelookindia.com via CG/PR

Observing 2026 as ‘Mahtari Gaurav Varsh’ (Year of Mother’s Pride), the state has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s dignity, security, education, healthcare and economic independence. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, these programmes are creating measurable improvements in the lives of women across the state.

Mahtari Vandan Yojana: Financial Empowerment at Scale

Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade described the Mahtari Vandan Yojana as one of the state’s most significant initiatives for women’s financial independence.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 10, 2024, the scheme provides ₹1,000 every month directly into the bank accounts of eligible women. More than 66 lakh women are currently benefiting from the programme. So far, over ₹18,805 crore has been transferred through 29 instalments, while the 2026–27 State Budget has earmarked ₹8,200 crore for its continued implementation.

Securing the Future of the Girl Child

To strengthen financial security for girls, the state is launching the Rani Durgavati Yojana, under which eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹1.5 lakh upon attaining the age of 18. A budget allocation of ₹15 crore has been made for the scheme.

The government has also allocated ₹120 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and ₹80 crore for Mission Vatsalya, aimed at improving maternal and child welfare.

Strengthening Nutrition and Healthcare

Women’s and children’s nutrition continues to receive major attention.

The 2026–27 Budget provides:

• ₹800 crore for Anganwadi operations.
• ₹650 crore for supplementary nutrition.
• ₹235 crore for nutrition and malnutrition eradication programmes.
• ₹42 crore for constructing 750 new Anganwadi centres, including 250 in urban areas and 500 in rural areas through convergence initiatives.

Safe Spaces and Support Services

To provide women with safe and supportive community spaces, the government has approved 368 Mahtari Sadans, of which 137 have already been completed. Another 250 centres will be constructed during 2026–27 with an allocation of ₹75 crore.

Women facing domestic violence or distress are receiving integrated support through 34 Sakhi One Stop Centres operating across all 33 districts. These centres provide legal assistance, medical care, counselling and temporary shelter under one roof.

The state has also integrated Women Helpline 181 with Emergency Response Support System 112, while becoming the first state in India to implement a digital Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Sakhi One Stop Centres.

Women Entrepreneurs Driving Rural Prosperity

The government is strengthening women’s economic participation by connecting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with production, value addition and markets.

A Unity Mall, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹200 crore, will provide national-level marketing opportunities for products made by women’s groups.

Outstanding women achievers will also be recognised annually through the Yuva Ratna Samman, while successful entrepreneurs will receive exposure visits under the Lakhpati Didi Study Tour Programme.

Bihar Mission Expands Women’s Livelihoods

Under the Bihan Mission, more than 2.92 lakh Self-Help Groups have been formed across Chhattisgarh, bringing together over 31.65 lakh women.

The state has already created more than 10.43 lakh Lakhpati Didis, making significant progress towards the Prime Minister’s national target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis.

Income-generating activities such as ready-to-eat food production, agriculture-based enterprises, livestock farming, food processing and handicrafts have substantially increased rural household incomes.

Social Security for Women Workers

The government has expanded welfare measures for women construction workers through several targeted schemes, including:

• Mukhyamantri Noni Sashaktikaran Sahayata Yojana (₹20,000 assistance).
• Mukhyamantri Sewing Machine Assistance Scheme (₹7,900 support).
• Didi E-Rickshaw Assistance Scheme.
• Mini Mata Mahtari Jatan Yojana, providing ₹20,000 assistance to pregnant women workers.

Marriage Assistance, Credit and Education

Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, more than 24,000 girls have benefited from mass marriage programmes, with ₹50,000 assistance provided for each couple.

Meanwhile:

• 42,878 women’s groups have received concessional loans worth ₹129.46 crore under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.
• Mahtari Shakti Loan Scheme offers collateral-free loans of up to ₹25,000 for self-employment.

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has benefited over 38 lakh women in the state.

Through the Sushiksha Yojana, 2.18 lakh girl students receive ₹500 per month, while the Shuchita Yojana has installed sanitary napkin vending machines in 2,000 schools, improving menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls.

Local Products Reach Global Markets

Women’s enterprises are increasingly gaining national and international recognition.

The tribal women-led JashPure brand has emerged as a successful example of the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, while initiatives such as Sakhi Saree and Millet Cafés are helping women entrepreneurs expand market access and increase household incomes.

Empowerment Beyond Welfare

Women’s empowerment in Chhattisgarh has evolved beyond welfare schemes into a broader movement for social transformation.

Through sustained investments in financial inclusion, nutrition, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, livelihood generation and social security, the state is creating new opportunities for women to participate confidently in economic and public life.

With policy support from the state government and expanding participation by women across sectors, Chhattisgarh is steadily advancing towards inclusive growth, where women’s empowerment forms a central pillar of development.

Information Courtesy: Dr. Daneshwari Sambhakar, Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), Government of Chhattisgarh.