At a landmark event in Raipur, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted a series of bold initiatives aimed at accelerating women’s empowerment in the state. Reaffirming Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision of creating 30 million “Lakhpati Didis”, the Chief Minister emphasized the joint efforts of the State and Central Governments to uplift women through self-reliance, skill development, and modern market access.
20 Million Women Empowered So Far: Towards the Lakhpati Didi Goal
The Lakhpati Didi Yojana, envisioned by Mr. Modi, is already making a tangible impact, with over 20 million women benefiting from the initiative nationwide. Mr. Sai noted that Chhattisgarh is actively contributing to this target, ensuring that women become financially independent and integral to the economic fabric of the state.
Women Entrepreneurs to Access Flipkart and Other E-Commerce Platforms
In a major push for digital entrepreneurship, Mr. Sai announced that women will now be able to sell their products via online marketplaces like Flipkart. This move will give local artisans and producers a gateway to both national and international markets, expanding their customer base far beyond their districts.
“This is not just financial empowerment—it’s about giving women a global voice in commerce,” the Chief Minister said.
Jashpur’s Mahua Innovation: A Model of Local Enterprise
Mr. Sai cited the innovative transformation in Jashpur, where Mahua, traditionally used for brewing local liquor, is now being repurposed into laddus, pickles, and even sanitizers. This example showcases how indigenous resources and innovation can drive economic growth, especially for rural women.
“The women of Chhattisgarh are rewriting the rules of local enterprise,” he stated.
Mahtari Vandan Scheme Brings Direct Benefits to Women
Interacting with women attendees, the Chief Minister asked whether they were receiving funds under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a direct benefit scheme aimed at enhancing the financial stability of women. He confirmed that the scheme has begun positively impacting thousands of women, providing support for household needs and entrepreneurship.
New Plans: Women SHGs to Produce Ready-to-Eat Foods
Looking ahead, Mr. Sai announced that Self-Help Group (SHG) women will be assigned the task of producing ready-to-eat food products. This will not only create fresh employment opportunities but also strengthen the presence of women-led businesses in the food processing sector.
“Every woman in Chhattisgarh should become self-reliant. That is our goal,” he affirmed.
A Vision for Sustainable Women-Led Growth
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating that the empowerment of women is directly tied to the strength of families, communities, and society at large. By investing in women’s economic independence, Chhattisgarh is laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable development.
These efforts align seamlessly with national missions like Digital India, Startup India, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, pushing the state forward as a model of grassroots women-led development.
