Raipur, March 07, 2026: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, a ‘Grand Mahtari Vandan Sammelan–2026’ will be organized in the Bastar district.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will attend the event as the Chief Guest and, during the conference, will release the 25th installment of the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ into the bank accounts of women across the state.
Organized by the Department of Women and Child Development, this conference aims to honour ‘Matrushakti’ (maternal power), promote women’s empowerment, and encourage the social and economic participation of women.
At the venue, departmental stalls will be set up to provide women with information regarding various government schemes, self-employment opportunities, and nutrition-related programmes.
Notably, under the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’—an initiative launched by the Government of Chhattisgarh with the objective of women’s economic empowerment—more than 6.9 million women across the state are currently receiving benefits. Following the release of the 25th installment under this scheme, a cumulative sum of Rs 16,237.33 crore will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of these women.
Through this scheme, women are receiving regular financial assistance, enabling them to not only fulfill their families’ daily needs but also devote special attention to their children’s education, health, and nutrition. This initiative is proving to be a significant step toward strengthening women’s self-respect and economic self-reliance.
The programme will be presided over by Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Dr. Raman Singh. Distinguished guests attending the event will include Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu; Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao; Minister for Women and Child Development Lakshmi Rajwade; and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, alongside numerous public representatives, MPs, MLAs, and office-bearers from various commissions and boards.
During the programme, special initiatives will also be undertaken to economically empower surrendered naxal women within the Bastar division. Under the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’ these women will be provided with interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh each through the Chhattisgarh Mahila Kosh (Chhattisgarh Women’s Fund).
Additionally, Chief Minister Sai will present these women with ‘Lakshmi-Sakhi Millet Kits.’ With the support of the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, these women are currently receiving training in the production of millet-based food products; this initiative aims to enable them to achieve self-employment and enhance their income through the manufacturing and sale of these products.
This grand conference, organized on the occasion of International Women’s Day, marks a significant initiative aimed at promoting women’s dignity, self-reliance, and social empowerment.
The conference is expected to be attended by a large number of women, including members of Self-Help Groups and beneficiaries of various government schemes. This event will further reinforce the state’s commitment to the cause of women’s empowerment.
