Chhattisgarh’s Women and Child Development Minister, Lakshmi Rajwade, met Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi in New Delhi for a detailed discussion on the effective implementation of women and child welfare schemes in the state and future policy priorities.

During the meeting, Rajwade informed the Union Minister that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government has decided to observe 2026 as “Mahtari Gaurav Varsh.” The initiative aims to promote the dignity, safety, health, and economic empowerment of mothers and women across Chhattisgarh. She emphasized that the state considers women’s empowerment central to its development agenda and is working to strengthen existing schemes to make them more impactful.

The discussions focused on key areas including maternal empowerment, progress under the Poshan Abhiyaan, strengthening child protection services, upgrading anganwadi infrastructure, and improving the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes. Rajwade shared details about innovative measures being undertaken in the state, grassroots-level efforts, and steps to ensure that welfare benefits reach eligible beneficiaries effectively.

Annpurna Devi offered guidance on enhancing monitoring mechanisms, ensuring transparent implementation, and achieving full coverage of eligible beneficiaries. She underlined the importance of coordinated efforts between the Centre and the state to advance women and child welfare.

Rajwade said that with continued support and guidance from the Central government, Chhattisgarh would further strengthen, streamline, and make outcome-oriented its women and child development initiatives. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to the comprehensive development and empowerment of women.