Raipur, The Chhattisgarh Women and Child Development Department has recorded significant progress in health, security, and economic self-reliance for women and children over the past two years. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Minister Lakshami Rajwade stated that the state’s “four-pillar approach” has led to measurable improvements in social indicators across the state.
The flagship Mahtari Vandan Yojana, launched in March 2024, has emerged as a primary driver of financial independence, with 69.32 lakh women currently receiving benefits. A total of ₹14,307 crore has been disbursed under the scheme so far. Minister Rajwade noted that 75 per cent of beneficiaries now independently decide on the use of these funds. Additionally, 30,000 women have availed loans worth ₹73 crore to initiate or expand small businesses.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, the state has disbursed ₹237.44 crore to 4.81 lakh beneficiaries, securing Chhattisgarh the third position nationally in scheme implementation.
The state reported a sharp decline in malnutrition levels between November 2023 and November 2025. Stunting decreased from 30.88 per cent to 24.99 per cent, while wasting dropped from 10.38 per cent to 6.93 per cent. Underweight prevalence also fell from 15.50 per cent to 13.61 per cent.
The Minister attributed these gains to the revamped supplementary nutrition programme, covering 19.64 lakh beneficiaries. Notably, 436 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been entrusted with the production of new nutritional recipes like ‘Sweet Shakti Aahar.’
On the protection front, Sakhi One Stop Centres are now operational in all districts, having assisted in 14,376 cases. Chhattisgarh is the first state to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for these centres. The Women’s Helpline (181) and Child Helpline (1098) remain integrated with the 112 emergency service for real-time response.
To strengthen the foundation of rural care, 4,750 Anganwadi centres have been upgraded under the ‘BaLA’ (Building as Learning Aid) concept. The department has also regularised the payment of honorariums through the ‘Samman Suvidha’ system, ensuring digital attendance via Facial Recognition System (FRS) technology.
Minister Rajwade concluded by highlighting the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, which provided ₹50,000 each for the marriages of 15,342 women, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social welfare.