Under Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai’s leadership, Chhattisgarh is undergoing a historic phase focused on women’s empowerment. The state government has declared 2026 as ‘Mahatari Gaurav Varsh’ (Year of Motherly Pride), dedicating it to honoring, securing, and making women self reliant.
The Sai administration structured its tenure thematically: the first year as ‘Vishwas Varsh’ (Year of Trust) to rebuild public faith, the second as ‘Atal Nirman Varsh’ (Year of Firm Construction) honoring Atal Bihari Vajpayee with infrastructure and welfare acceleration. Now, the third year centers women as the focal point of most schemes, reflecting an inclusive and sensitive development model.
This flagship scheme provides 1,000 Rupees monthly directly to about 70 lakh married women via DBT, totaling over 15,595 crore Rupees disbursed by January 2026, including the 24th installment of 641 crore Rupees to 68 lakh beneficiaries. It boosts financial confidence, enabling investments in self employment beyond household needs.
In Balod district’s Khairdih village, Rohani Patel turned widowhood’s challenges, caring for an elderly mother in law and funding two children’s college, into opportunity using scheme funds for vegetable farming on her field. She now sells produce in local markets, sustaining her family and inspiring peers.
Through the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission ‘Bihan’, women like those in Balodabazar Bhatapara are becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’, earning 1 to1.5 lakh Rupees annually from ventures such as kirana shops, with over 4 lakh women statewide achieving 1 lakh Rupees yearly income via training and loans.
Modern tech empowers too. Women SHG’s access drones for pesticide spraying, like ‘Drone Didi’ Shanti Vishwakarma, earning 1 lakh Rupees monthly with government provided equipment worth 15 lakh Rupees, aiding farmers efficiently.
The 2026 to 2027 budget allocates 8,200 crore Rupees to Women & Child Development, including 2,320 crore Rupees for anganwadi nutrition, 120 crore Rupees for PM Matru Vandana Yojana, 80 crore Rupees for Mission Vatsalya, and 15 crore Rupees for Rani Durgavati Yojana. It funds 750 new anganwadi centers (42 crore Rupees) and 250 Mahatari Sadans (75 crore Rupees), plus 50% stamp duty rebate on women’s property purchases.
Safety nets include One Stop Centres, 181 helpline, Dial 112, aiding over 2.18 lakh widows via Sukhad Sahara. Over 42,000 SHG’s received concessional loans; initiatives like Digital Sakhi, Didi ERickshaw, and Ready to Eat production ensure steady income.
Minister Laxmi Rajwade emphasizes self reliance and dignified environments as top priorities.
Aligning with PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat and ‘Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision 2047’, this year positions women centrally in inclusive growth. ‘Mahatari Gaurav Varsh’ transcends administration, it is a societal movement elevating maternal power to lead a prosperous state.
