Raipur, April 13, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today expressing pleasure stated that it is a delightful coincidence, at a time when a historic discussion regarding women’s reservation is taking place across the country, Chhattisgarh is simultaneously celebrating the ‘Mahtari Gaurav Varsh’ (Year of Women’s Pride).
Sai remarked that respect for ‘Chhattisgarh Mahtari’ (Mother Chhattisgarh) and the active participation of women have become defining characteristics of the state.
Today, at CM House, he listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ (Women’s Empowerment and Tribute Conference), which was broadcast live from Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi.
Speaking on this occasion, he described it as a historic moment for the nation’s ‘Matri Shakti’ (maternal power)—a moment that is poised to prove decisive in making India’s democratic framework even more inclusive and empowered.
Sai asserted that this endeavour to ensure women’s participation “from the Panchayat to Parliament” presents a clear glimpse of a ‘New India.’ He underscored the Prime Minister’s vision that the direct participation of women in decision-making processes constitutes the robust foundation of a ‘Developed India.’
He added that the upcoming discussion in Parliament on April 16 regarding the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ (Women’s Empowerment and Tribute) marks a significant step toward giving concrete shape to this historic initiative.
The Chief Minister noted that, within India’s cultural traditions, women have always been accorded a position of high esteem. From the Vedic era to the present day, the role of women in the construction and development of society has been profoundly significant. The various schemes implemented by our ‘Double Engine’ government have empowered this tradition within a modern context, enabling women to advance with both self-reliance and dignity, he added.
Sai highlighted that, by prioritising women’s empowerment, Chhattisgarh has undertaken several effective measures. Through a 50 per cent reservation in local self-government bodies, women have gained opportunities for leadership—a positive impact of which is clearly visible at the grassroots level. Furthermore, initiatives such as the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ are serving to economically and socially strengthen mothers and sisters across the state.
He issued a call to the state’s ‘Matri Shakti’ and women’s organizations to raise their voices on every platform and to play an active role in this transformative journey.
Sai expressed confidence that the increasing participation of women would further strengthen democracy and pave the way for a new direction of positive change in society.
In his concluding remarks, Sai stated that a nation becomes truly empowered only when its women are empowered.
He emphasised that this is the time to secure full rights for half of the country’s population and to accord them a decisive role in the mainstream of development.
Present on this occasion were Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Lakshmi Verma, and MLA Purandar Mishra, along with a large number of other dignitaries.
