The Chhattisgarh government has launched a new initiative to assign the production of ready-to-eat meals to women’s self-help groups, fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment. The program’s launch took place in the Raigarh district, where Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai distributed contracts to 10 women’s self-help groups, enabling them to produce and distribute the meals.
The event was also attended by Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary, Raigarh MP Radheshyam Rathia, Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh, MLA Purandar Mishra, Zila Panchayat President Shikha Ravindra Gabel, Mayor Jivardhan Chauhan, and Zila Panchayat member Sushma Khalkho.
The program will begin as a pilot project in six districts. Chief Minister Sai stated that the government aims to involve women’s self-help groups in the production and distribution of supplementary nutrition (ready-to-eat) for Anganwadi centers. Contracts have been initially awarded in the Raigarh district.
The Chief Minister explained that these groups will supply nutritious food to children at Anganwadis while also generating income for the women, thus empowering them financially. This scheme aims to promote self-employment and provide social and economic empowerment, contributing to better nutritional levels for children.
He also pointed out that many of Prime Minister Modi’s guarantees have been implemented in the past eighteen months, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, paddy procurement at a fixed price, bonus distribution, the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, increased tendu leaf collection rates, and the Charan Paduka scheme.
Moreover, the Ramlala Darshan Yojana and pilgrimage schemes allow residents to visit religious sites.
The government has established Atal Digital Seva Kendras to offer banking services in rural areas, benefiting 1,460 panchayats, with more to be added soon.
Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering women and the ready-to-eat scheme’s role in achieving the national goal of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis. Women’s groups from various project areas in Raigarh, including both urban and rural regions, have been selected to distribute ready-to-eat meals at Anganwadi centers.