RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh is strengthening its focus on women’s empowerment by expanding initiatives aimed at girls’ education, women’s economic independence, entrepreneurship and access to justice, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said.
Addressing a programme marking 25 years of the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women, Sai said the government’s approach to women’s empowerment goes beyond welfare schemes and focuses on creating long-term opportunities for women and girls.
He said the government was working from the education of girls to their economic self-reliance. Under the Saraswati Bicycle Scheme, girls are being encouraged to continue their education by improving their access to schools.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the ‘Meri Beti, Mera Abhiman’ initiative, under which approval has been given for the construction of 6,671 toilets for girls across the state. The initiative is aimed at creating a safer and more convenient environment for female students in schools.
481 Mahatari Sadan centres being built
Sai said infrastructure was also being developed to support women’s self-help groups and their economic activities. As many as 481 Mahatari Sadan centres are being constructed across Chhattisgarh to provide women’s self-help groups with suitable spaces for training, meetings and livelihood-related activities.
He noted that three such centres were recently inaugurated during his visit to Jashpur.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the Ready-to-Eat programme, which is being operated through women’s self-help groups. The initiative, he said, is helping generate additional livelihood opportunities for women while strengthening their participation in economic activities.
Property ownership can strengthen women’s financial position
Sai said encouraging property registration in women’s names was another important step towards strengthening their economic rights.
Ownership of land and other assets, he said, can provide women with a stronger financial foundation while increasing their participation in household decisions.
The incentives offered by the government for registering property in women’s names are producing encouraging results, with a growing number of properties being registered in their names, he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that genuine women’s empowerment requires changes not only in government policies but also in social attitudes and institutions.
He said girls should have access to quality education, young women should receive opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, and women should be assured of safety, dignity and timely justice when required.
“When a girl is educated, an entire generation benefits. When a woman becomes self-reliant, the entire family moves forward with greater confidence,” Sai said, underlining the importance of women’s participation in the state’s development.
He added that respecting, protecting and economically empowering women would be crucial to achieving the goal of a prosperous and developed Chhattisgarh.
Women’s Commission described as avenue for justice
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu said the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women serves as an important source of hope, trust and justice for women facing difficulties or seeking assistance.
Congratulating newly appointed commission chairperson Dr Mamta Sahu, he expressed confidence that the commission would work effectively to protect women’s rights and promote their welfare under her leadership.
Sahu said Indian culture has traditionally accorded a special place to women and that social progress cannot be achieved without ensuring their dignity and empowerment.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also congratulated Dr Mamta Sahu and said her appointment represented an important responsibility towards women across the state.
He said the commission must work with sensitivity and commitment to empower women and ensure speedy justice for those facing injustice.
Sao said women’s participation was essential not only for the progress of families but also for the development of society and the nation. He added that Chhattisgarh was moving towards becoming stronger, happier and more self-reliant under Chief Minister Sai’s leadership.
Commission completes 25 years
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade said the state was celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women, marking 25 years of its work to protect women’s rights and dignity.
She said various government initiatives, including the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, had helped strengthen women’s confidence, self-respect and economic position.
The programme was attended by Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, legislators Purandar Mishra and Motilal Sahu, Raipur Mayor Meenal Choubey, Ambikapur Mayor Manjusha Bhagat, Dr Mamta Sahu and several other public representatives, officials, religious figures and prominent women from different fields.