Women’s Empowerment at Heart of Chhattisgarh’s Growth: CM Sai

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the Teej Milan programme organised at Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma’s residence in Raipur on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. During the programme, the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister also honoured women and artists for their contribution to Chhattisgarh’s social and cultural life. Photo: primelookindia.com via CMO

Chief Minister joins Teej Milan at Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma’s residence; says more than 68 lakh women receive monthly support under Mahtari Vandan Yojana, while 13.85 lakh have become Lakhpati Didis

Key Highlights

• More than 68 lakh women are receiving ₹1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
• Over ₹20,000 crore has been transferred to beneficiaries through 31 instalments.
• 13.85 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didis.
• CM Vishnu Deo Sai said women are not merely beneficiaries of government schemes but equal partners in building a developed Chhattisgarh.
• A Film City is being developed at a cost of about ₹650 crore, aimed at creating opportunities for local artists, technicians and youth.
• Artists contributing to Chhattisgarh’s folk art and culture were honoured during the programme.

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 placed women’s dignity, security and economic independence at the centre of Chhattisgarh’s development vision, saying that empowering women strengthens families, society and ultimately the state.

Addressing a Teej Milan programme organised at the residence of Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, the Chief Minister said women hold a special place in Chhattisgarh’s culture and traditions and that their participation is crucial to the state’s progress.

“The respect, security and economic empowerment of mothers and sisters are among the highest priorities of the State Government,” Sai said.

Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma welcomes Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai with a bouquet during the Teej Milan programme at his residence in Raipur on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CMO

Referring to the cultural significance of Teej, he said the festival symbolises family values, relationships and prayers for happiness and prosperity. He also wished for the well-being, prosperity and good health of women and their families across the state.

From Financial Assistance to Economic Independence

A major focus of the Chief Minister’s address was the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Sai said more than 68 lakh women are receiving ₹1,000 every month directly in their bank accounts and that more than ₹20,000 crore has been transferred through 31 instalments so far.

He said the significance of the programme extends beyond the monthly payment, with beneficiaries using the money for household requirements, their children’s education, savings and small livelihood activities.

Some women are depositing the assistance under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for their daughters, while others are purchasing sewing machines and turning their skills into sources of livelihood, he said.

“This economic support is also strengthening women’s self-confidence and their ability to make decisions,” the Chief Minister said.

Sai said the government wants every woman in Chhattisgarh to have access to opportunities, resources and the support necessary to move forward.

“When our mothers and sisters become economically empowered, families will become stronger and the progress of the entire state will gain new momentum,” he said.

13.85 Lakh Lakhpati Didis

Highlighting another dimension of women’s economic participation, Sai said 13.85 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didis.

He said women’s empowerment should not be confined to financial assistance but should also connect women with sustainable livelihoods, skills and self-employment. Women associated with self-help groups are participating in various economic activities and small businesses, contributing both to household incomes and the wider state economy.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma honour a woman during the Teej Milan programme in Raipur on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The event also recognised contributions to Chhattisgarh’s folk art and culture. Photo: primelookindia.com via CMO

The Chief Minister said the government regards women not simply as beneficiaries of schemes but as equal participants in building a developed Chhattisgarh. He described mothers as the first teachers in a family and said their work, sacrifice and guidance provide the foundation for stronger families and society.

₹650-Crore Film City to Open New Opportunities

Turning to Chhattisgarh’s cultural economy, Sai said a Film City is being developed in the state at an estimated cost of around ₹650 crore.

According to the Chief Minister, the project is expected to expand opportunities for film production and shooting in Chhattisgarh while creating avenues for local artists, technicians and young people. He said it would also help promote tourism and take the state’s distinctive folk traditions, cultural heritage and natural beauty to wider audiences.

Artists who have contributed to taking Chhattisgarh’s folk art and culture to national and international audiences were honoured during the programme. Sai said artists have an important role in preserving the state’s cultural identity and passing its folk art, songs, dances and traditions to future generations.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma present an honour during the Teej Milan programme in Raipur on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, where artists contributing to the state’s folk art and cultural traditions were felicitated. Photo: primelookindia.com via CMO

Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma welcomed the women attending the Teej Milan and presented a Chhattisgarhi folk song, adding a traditional flavour to the gathering. He recalled changes in basic infrastructure in the state over the years and spoke about his own journey from a farming family to public life.

Sai also referred to the expansion of housing and other basic facilities in the state. He said 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas scheme have been sanctioned and around 1,600 houses are being constructed every day.

At the programme, the Chief Minister offered prayers to Lord Ganesha at Verma’s residence and prayed for peace, prosperity and continued progress in Chhattisgarh.

Among those present were Chhattisgarh Kesh Shilpi Vikas Board Chairman Gauri Shankar Shrivas, Charm Shilpkar Board Chairman Dhruv Kumar Mirdha, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Chairperson Mona Sen, MLA Rohit Sahu, District Panchayat Chairman Naveen Agrawal, Veena Singh, artists and a large number of women and other guests.