Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan lauds ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative as a model of women-led development and grassroots democracy

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, attended the “Lakhpati Didi Sammelan” at Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, today.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President lauded the Lakhpati Didi initiative, describing it as a reflection of the strength and determination of India’s women.

He said that the initiative reflects the resolve of women — the Didis — who are turning challenges into opportunities. The Vice-President observed that the term “Lakhpati Didi” is not just about income but embodies independence, dignity, and confidence.

He noted that across India, thousands of self-help groups led by women are demonstrating how hard work, discipline, and solidarity can transform lives. He emphasised that the achievements of these women highlight the transformative power of India’s sisters — the backbone of rural India.

Praising the government’s efforts, he said that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis  is an extraordinary step toward building women-led development — a movement that finds vivid expression in Chhattisgarh.

The Vice-President praised the growing leadership of women in Chhattisgarh and across India, describing the Lakhpati Didi initiative as a vibrant movement that has enabled over two crore women nationwide and five lakh women in Chhattisgarh to achieve financial independence through self-help groups and income-generating activities.

He acknowledged the focused efforts of the State Government and the District Administration, Rajnandgaon, which have connected over one lakh women through 9,663 Self-Help Groups and facilitated more than ₹700 crore in financial assistance. He also noted that the state’s direct transfer of over ₹13,000 crore under the Mahila Samman Yojana has empowered women beneficiaries across 20 instalments.

Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan highlighted Rajnandgaon’s unique status as a symbol of women’s empowerment, noting that over 1,000 women serve in local self-governance as Panch, Sarpanch, Janpad, and Zila Panchayat members. He underscored that democracy is not confined to Parliament alone but lives in gram sabhas, panchayats, and self-help groups, where citizens discuss, decide, and develop together. He said that the Lakhpati Didi movement strengthens the roots of democracy by ensuring participation, transparency, and local empowerment.

He said that initiatives like this have changed the perception that women must confine themselves to their homes. Today, they are emerging as administrators, achieving economic independence, and inspiring future leaders.

The Vice-President saluted the Lakhpati Didis for their courage and determination in overcoming all odds with government support and expressed hope that they will soon become Crorepati Didis.

Recalling the progress achieved in Chhattisgarh, he said there was a time when the state faced a lack of water, electricity, and development, but today, it produces electricity for the entire country and has made remarkable improvements in healthcare.

He also lauded the successful efforts to eliminate the Naxal problem from the region, attributing it to the collaborative vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah , the State Government, and security forces.

The Vice-President further observed that creating wealth is as important as distributing it. He added that both the Central and State Governments are effectively pursuing these goals, which has helped reduce challenges such as Naxalism.

Referring to the recent victory of the Indian women’s cricket team in the World Cup, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan drew an inspiring parallel to the social transformation being led by the women of Chhattisgarh. He paid tribute to their courage, resilience, and contribution to the nation’s progress.

Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan also recalled that the creation of Chhattisgarh on 1 November 2000 fulfilled the vision of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and expressed pride in having supported the Bill as a Member of Parliament.

Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed faith that Chhattisgarh and Rajnandgaon would continue to lead by example in empowerment, democracy, and culture.

During the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan at Rajnandgaon, the Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan was given a demonstration of various social initiatives led by women’s groups — including Assistive Devices made by Divyangjan themselves. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan commended the women’s leadership in public welfare, natural resource management, and community development through these innovative initiatives.

Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan also inaugurated a  new five-storey facility at Udayachal Health and Research Institute in Rajnandgaon. He commended the institute’s pivotal role in making Chhattisgarh cataract-free and its commitment to combating tuberculosis, promoting tree plantation drives.

The Vice-President underscored the national progress towards Cataract-Free Bharat. He noted the remarkable achievements of the National Netra Jyoti Abhiyan. He also highlighted that initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, and PM–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission are transforming healthcare access across the country.

The Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shri Ramen Deka; Chief Minister, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai; Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Dr. Raman Singh were present at both events in Rajnandgaon.

Earlier in the day, the Vice-President also witnessed the spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) famed Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) in Nava Raipur, held as part of the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the state’s formation. The breathtaking display of skill and precision fostered a patriotic atmosphere and enthralled the audience.

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PR/AR