Chhattisgarh Inaugurates 51 'Mahatari Sadans' to Empower Women

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has inaugurated 51 'Mahatari Sadans' across the state's rural areas, marking a significant step towards women's empowerment. The initiative, led by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, aims to foster self-reliance and dignity among women by providing secure and well-equipped community hubs.

These 'Mahatari Sadans' will serve as centers for education, skill development, and entrepreneurial activities. Self-help groups will play a crucial role in their operation, offering comprehensive training programs in areas such as tailoring, embroidery, weaving, handicrafts, agriculture, and digital literacy. This initiative is a key component of the state's rural development strategy, designed to enhance economic independence and contribute to Chhattisgarh's overall growth.

The Chief Minister stated that these centers are intended to make Chhattisgarh a model for women-centric development. The state has a plan for further expansion, with orders issued last year for 179 'Mahatari Sadans', of which 51 are now complete. The long-term vision is to establish these facilities in all panchayats within five years. The first phase of the 'Mahatari Sadan' Construction Scheme, approved for 2024-25, allocated ₹50 crore for 202 centers, with each costing approximately ₹24.70 lakh. A second phase is planned for 2025-26, with an additional ₹50 crore approved for 166 centers, each at an increased cost of ₹30 lakh.

The initiative aligns with national objectives, drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Self-Reliant India' campaign. The inauguration event, held virtually from Kareli Badi village in Dhamtari district on September 24, 2025, also featured the launch of digital initiatives like the 'Gram Sampada App' for resource management and a 'Citizen Information Portal' for MNREGA data transparency. Over two lakh women from self-help groups participated in the virtual inauguration.

Complementing these efforts, other state programs are also bolstering women's economic standing. The 'Godhan Nyay Yojana,' launched in July 2020, supports livelihoods through the sale of cow dung and the production of compost, enabling women's groups to earn significant incomes. Additionally, the 'Mahtari Vandan Yojana' provides eligible women with a monthly financial assistance of ₹1000, fostering confidence and dignity. These multifaceted initiatives underscore Chhattisgarh's commitment to creating a robust ecosystem for women's empowerment and economic independence.