The intimate celebration of Rakshabandhan at the Chief Minister's residence, mothers and sisters from different areas tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister said – Respect, security and economic empowerment of sisters are the top priorities of our government.
Mahtari Vandan provided financial support to 68 lakh women, 13.85 lakh women became Lakhpati Didi in Chhattisgarh
Drone Didi, E-Rickshaw Didi and sisters of self-help groups are becoming the new identity of self-reliant Chhattisgarh.
Raipur, 28 August 2026/ The festival of Rakshabandhan was celebrated in an atmosphere of intimacy, affection and gaiety today at the Chief Minister's residence. Mothers and sisters from different sections of the society gave their love and blessings to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai by tying Rakhi on his wrist. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, while giving a hearty welcome to all the sisters, said that this affection of the sisters is priceless for him and their blessings further strengthen their resolve to serve the state.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that Rakshabandhan is the sacred festival of unwavering love, trust and intimacy between brothers and sisters. The sister ties Rakhi on her brother's wrist and wishes him a happy and prosperous life, while the brother takes a pledge to respect, protect and always stand by his sister in happiness and sorrow.
The Chief Minister said, “It is a day of great good fortune for me that all you sisters from different sections of the society have come to the Chief Minister's residence to celebrate the holy festival of Rakshabandhan. The affection and blessings of all of you inspire me to work with more dedication for the welfare of the mothers and sisters of the state.”
In the programme, Mrs. Sarla Dubey, wife of late Colonel Ashok Kumar Dubey, tied Rakhi to Chief Minister Shri Sai. Referring to this intimate moment, the Chief Minister said that Late Colonel Ashok Kumar Dubey was the first soldier from Chhattisgarh to join the Army. Getting Rakhi tied by his wife Mrs. Dubey is a particularly emotional and proud moment for him.
In the program, Savita Didi and Smriti Didi of Prajapita Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, Mrs. Savitri Jaiswal, Padmashree Dr. Usha Barle, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Women Commission Mrs. Mamta Sahu, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Ms. Mona Sen along with women journalists, Didis of self-help groups, Lakhpati Didis, Drone Didis, E-Rickshaw Didis, Team Prahari, women of various societies and disabled people were present. The sisters tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister.
Rakhi adorned on the wrists of soldiers shows respect for the nation
Referring to the 'Sneh Ki Dor' program organized in the capital Raipur, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that it was a very pleasant experience to connect the festival of Rakshabandhan with the feeling of respect and gratitude towards the soldiers dedicated to the security of the country and the state.
He said that sisters of self-help groups, disabled sisters and women from families of martyred soldiers expressed their affection and respect towards about 1600 soldiers of various security forces including CRPF, BSF, CISF and ITBP by tying Rakhi on their wrists. Our soldiers stay away from their families even during festivals and discharge the responsibility of protecting the country and the state. It is the responsibility of all of us to express respect towards such brave soldiers.
Chief Minister praised the courage and dedication of women journalists
Chief Minister Shri Sai specially welcomed the women journalists present in the program and said that journalism is an act of courage, sensitivity and responsibility. Our women journalists are discharging their responsibilities in many challenging circumstances and keeping the society informed about the happenings in the country and the world.
While sharing an intimate incident, the Chief Minister said that while returning from his stay in Delhi, this morning at the airport, journalist sister Jigyasa expressed her affection by tying Rakhi to him.
The Chief Minister said that today Didis of self-help groups, Lakhpati Didis, Drone Didis, E-Rickshaw Didis, Setting Plate Didis and Mitanin Didis are setting new examples of women empowerment in their respective areas. With 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayat elections, the role of women in local leadership has been further strengthened. Today, many Sarpanch Didis are giving a new direction to the development of villages with their leadership and innovation.
Mahtari Vandan Yojana increased women's confidence
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that economic empowerment of women is one of the top priorities of the government. For this purpose, financial assistance of one thousand rupees per month is being provided to about 68 lakh women of the state through Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
He said that so that the mothers and sisters of the state can celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan with enthusiasm and enthusiasm, an amount of more than Rs 631 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of the sisters as the 31st installment of Mahtari Vandan Yojana on August 25 before the scheduled time.
The Chief Minister said that Mahtari Vandan Yojana is not just a scheme of financial assistance, but it has increased the self-confidence of women. The sisters are using this amount for their minor needs, children's education, health, savings and livelihood related activities.
Chhattisgarh moves ahead of target, 13.85 lakh women become Lakhpati Didi
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has resolved to make the women of the country financially self-reliant and empower them as 'Lakhpati Didi'. The target is to make 6 crore women across the country Lakhpati Didi.
He said that Chhattisgarh had achieved the target of making 8 lakh women Lakhpati Didi, but the state has gone ahead of the target and made 13 lakh 85 thousand women Lakhpati Didi in the last two years. This is a proof of the hard work, confidence and entrepreneurship of the mothers and sisters of Chhattisgarh.
Referring to the Drone Didi scheme, the Chief Minister said that village women are now connecting with modern technology. They are increasing their income by spraying fertilizers and medicines in the fields through drones. The income from spraying per acre is around Rs 300 and by working in 20 to 25 acres, the drone didis are earning Rs 6 to 7 thousand per day.
New path of self-reliance is opening with e-rickshaw and setting plate
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that women are not just being made beneficiaries of schemes, but are being made strong partners in economic activities and the development process. Sisters of self-help groups are now moving into new areas along with traditional livelihood activities.
He said that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, housing construction is taking place on a large scale in the state and about 1600 houses are being built every day. Women of self-help groups are earning good income by joining the business of setting plates used in the construction of these houses.
Referring to e-rickshaw didis, the Chief Minister said that 92 e-rickshaw didis in Naya Raipur are setting a new example of self-reliance. He told that during his stay in Jashpur, on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, e-rickshaws have been provided to 50 sisters in his village Bagiya. E-rickshaw is becoming not only a means of transportation for the sisters, but also a means of respectable livelihood and economic self-reliance.
Special incentives in the new industrial policy to make women entrepreneurs
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the aim of the government is to make the women of the state so economically empowered that they can set up their own enterprises and provide employment to others as well. Due to regular amount coming into the bank accounts of women through Mahtari Vandan Yojana, their financial credibility has also been strengthened and banks are coming forward in providing them loans for business.
He said that for registering land in the name of women, the benefit of 50 percent discount in registration fee is being given. In the last two and a half years, registries have been done in the names of about 30 thousand women.
The Chief Minister said that in the new industrial development policy of Chhattisgarh, provision of special concessions and incentives has been made for women entrepreneurs. The state has so far received investment proposals worth about Rs 8.50 lakh crore. He called upon women to move forward in the direction of entrepreneurship by studying the provisions available in the industrial policy.
He said that the government wants that the sisters of Chhattisgarh should not be limited to jobs and self-employment, but should play an important role in the economic development of the state by becoming successful entrepreneurs.
New chapter of peace and development in Bastar with the end of Naxalism
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Naxalism was a major obstacle in the development of Chhattisgarh for a long time. Decisive success has been achieved against Naxalism due to the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the strong will of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the indomitable courage of the security forces and the cooperation of the people of the area.
He said that in the areas where there was once an atmosphere of violence and fear, there is now a new beginning of peace, trust and development. The government is rapidly expanding facilities related to roads, education, health, communication and livelihood, so that the full benefits of government schemes reach the areas away from the mainstream of development.
Referring to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Chief Minister said that the terrorists destroyed the vermilion of many sisters, but India responded strongly against terrorism. He said that today's India is a strong nation that believes in peace, which does not tease anyone, but also knows how to give a befitting reply to those who challenge the country's security and self-respect.
Role of mother power is important in building developed Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has resolved to make India a developed nation by the year 2047. In accordance with the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas', Chhattisgarh is also playing an important role in building a developed India.
He said that Chhattisgarh is a state rich in natural and mineral wealth, forest wealth, fertile land and natural beauty. The simplicity, spontaneity and intimacy of the people here have created the identity of “Chhattisgarhia is the best” in the entire country.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the dream of developed Chhattisgarh cannot be fulfilled without the empowerment of mother power. It is the resolve of the government that every mother and sister of the state gets respect and security, they become financially self-reliant and get full opportunities to move ahead as per their capabilities and talent.
While wishing all the mothers and sisters of the state on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, he said that the affection, trust and blessings of the sisters is the strength of the government. Only with the power of mother power will strong families, prosperous society and developed Chhattisgarh be created.