Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Conference’ virtually from his official residence in Raipur, where he listened to the address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi broadcast from Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. He described the moment as historic for women empowerment in India, emphasizing its role in making democracy more inclusive and participatory.
A Historic Push for Women’s Representation
The Chief Minister stated that this initiative marks a decisive step toward ensuring equal rights for women and strengthening their role in governance. He highlighted the vision of “Panchayat to Parliament” participation, where women will have a direct role in decision-making at every level.
April 16: A Key Date for Women Reservation Bill
CM Sai pointed out that April 16 will be crucial, as discussions on the Nari Shakti Vandan Act in Parliament are expected to shape the future of women’s political representation in India. He called it a landmark move toward building a strong and developed nation.
Cultural Legacy Meets Modern Empowerment
Emphasizing India’s rich heritage, he noted that women have always held a respected place in society—from the Vedic era to modern times. He added that current government initiatives are reinforcing this legacy in a contemporary context, enabling women to move forward with self-reliance and dignity.
Chhattisgarh’s Focus on Women-Centric Policies
Highlighting state-level efforts, CM Sai mentioned several initiatives aimed at empowering women:
- 50% reservation in local bodies, giving women leadership opportunities
- Implementation of welfare schemes like Mahatari Vandan Yojana
- Increased participation of women in governance and grassroots decision-making
These efforts, he said, are already delivering visible results across the state.
‘Mahatari Gaurav Varsh’ Celebrated in Chhattisgarh
The Chief Minister noted that Chhattisgarh is currently celebrating ‘Mahatari Gaurav Year’, aligning with the national focus on women empowerment. He emphasized that honoring “Chhattisgarh Mahtari” (Mother Chhattisgarh) and encouraging women’s participation has become a defining identity of the state.
Call for Greater Participation from Women
CM Sai urged women and organizations to actively participate in this transformative phase and raise their voices on every platform. He expressed confidence that increased participation of women will strengthen democracy and bring positive societal change.
“Empowered Women, Empowered Nation”
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister reiterated that a strong nation is built on empowered women. He stressed the importance of ensuring that women—who constitute half the population—receive their rightful opportunities and play a decisive role in India’s development journey.
The event was also attended by Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, and other dignitaries.
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