Raipur, Aug 26: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday stated that the respect, safety, and empowerment of women form the foundation of a prosperous Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the ‘Raksha Bandhan Evam Behno Se Samwad’ programme at Pandripani village in the Farsabahar development block of Jashpur district, the Chief Minister interacted with local women who tied Rakhis to him. Extending gifts to the attendees, CM Sai noted that Raksha Bandhan is an occasion to reaffirm society’s commitment to protecting the dignity and future of women.

The Chief Minister dedicated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹64 lakh in Pandripani. The works include a newly constructed Mahtari Sadan, featuring a meeting hall, training facilities, kitchen, and toilets to assist women self-help groups (SHGs) in conducting livelihood activities. CM Sai also announced the construction of additional Mahtari Sadans in Farsabahar and Bhelwa, alongside sanctioning ₹3.23 crore for a road connecting the main road to Dani Moda Basti.

Highlighting the state’s flagship Mahtari Vandan Yojana, the Chief Minister said the monthly assistance of ₹1,000 has bolstered financial confidence among women. He stated that over ₹631 crore was recently disbursed into the bank accounts of more than 67 lakh beneficiaries, with the September instalment released early in view of the festival.

During the event, CM Sai distributed financial assistance cheques to local SHGs. The Mongra, Vaishnavi, and Chand self-help groups received ₹1.5 lakh each, while the Pratigya group was handed a cheque of ₹1 lakh. Passbooks under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana were handed over to young beneficiaries, while property rights documentation under the SVAMITVA Scheme was distributed to five local women.

Focusing on digital governance, the Chief Minister added that over 800 government services across 37 departments have been brought online via the Seva Setu portal, complemented by rural service delivery through Atal Digital Seva Kendras and prompt grievance handling on the CM Helpline 1076.