VRIHAD Mahtari Vandan Sammelan was organised by Women and Child Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh at Science College Ground in the state capital on the occasion of International Women’s Day, on Saturday. Sai was the chief guest at the programme. Sai highlighted the achievements of his Government. He said that women empowerment is not just an idea but the top priority of the BJP Government. The State Government is working with full commitment to make women in Chhattisgarh socially, economically and politically self-reliant, he added. Sai said that the Chhattisgarh Government has been transferring an amount of Rs 1,000 per month directly into the bank accounts of women for the last 13 months under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana for women’s welfare. More than Rs 8,488 crore has been transferred to the accounts of more than 70 lakh women so far. Sai virtually transferred the 13th installment of Mahtari Vandan Yojana into the bank accounts of around 70 lakh women of State in programme on Saturday. Sai informed that purchases and sales of more than Rs 15 to 20 lakh have been done, which shows women entrepreneurship. He announced that ‘

 

Unity Mall’ will be built in Nava Raipur at a cost of Rs 200 crore, where ample opportunities will be available to sell the products of women self-help groups. Women and Child Development Department Minister Laxmi Rajwade gave the welcome address. Sai launched the ‘Samman Suvidha System’ for payment of honorarium to Anganwadi workers and assistants on this occasion. This was the first time that the Chief Minister himself paid honorarium directly to Anganwadi workers and assistants through a digital and centralized system. Regular attendance of workers and assistants are being recorded through facial recognition system, on the basis of which honorarium are being paid to them directly from the state government.

 

This system will ensure accuracy, transparency and timeliness in the payment of honorarium to Anganwadi workers. Sai launched an important digital facility for harassed and distressed women, under which they were able to register complaints online and through mobile app. Sai also launched the portal, infra portal and establishment portal of Child Marriage Free Chhattisgarh Campaign. Along with this, the newly constructed building of Regional Women Training Institute located in Bilaspur was also be inaugurated. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of Sakhi One Stop Centre was also be released. Chhattisgarh became the first state in the country to implement a prescribed SOP for the smooth functioning of Sakhi One Stop Centre. 32 excellent Anganwadi workers of the state, 3 best Sakhi One Stop Centres, 2 Women Protection Officers of Nava Bihaan Yojana, along with other women, who have achieved special achievements in women empowerment, were honoured.

 

The State Level Mahila Madai was organised by the Women and Child Development Department at Science College Ground from March 4 to 8. Over 100 stalls have been installed in the Mahila Madai where products of the women self-help groups displayed for sale. MLAs Gomati Sai, Raimuni Bhagat, Rajesh Munat, Guru Khushwant Saheb, Raipur Divisional Commissioner Mahadev Kawre, Secretary of Women and Child Development Department Shammi Abidi, Collector Dr Gaurav Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Lal Ummed Singh, other public representatives, officers and women in large number were present on the occasion.