Raksha Khadse Visits Bastar, Highlights Women-Led SHGs and Tribal Crafts as Drivers of Rural Transformation

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, today, visited the Growth Centre and Pragati Women Self-Help Group stalls under the 'Chhattis Kala' brand in Jagdalpur, underscoring the growing impact of women-led enterprises in driving economic empowerment and rural development in Chhattisgarh.

During the visit, the Minister reviewed a wide array of locally produced goods and interacted closely with women entrepreneurs, commending their efforts in building sustainable livelihoods through collective enterprise models.

Women at the Centre of Rural Transformation

Highlighting the transformative role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Smt. Khadse noted that these grassroots institutions are enabling women to achieve financial independence while emerging as agents of social change in rural communities.

"Women-led self-help groups are not only strengthening household incomes but also reshaping the socio-economic landscape of rural India," she said.

Boost from Government Initiatives

The Minister pointed to several key government schemes that are accelerating women's empowerment in the state:

• Mahtari Vandan Yojana – providing direct financial support to women

• Lakhpati Didi Yojana – enabling women to achieve higher income levels

• Promotion of ready-to-eat food products and local goods via e-commerce platforms

These initiatives, she said, are expanding market access, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable income streams for women across Chhattisgarh.

Strengthening Rural Economy and Nutrition

Smt. Khadse emphasized that these interventions are delivering multi-dimensional benefits:

• Income generation and employment creation

• Improved nutrition through local food production

• Strengthening of the rural economy and supply chains

She described these efforts as a significant step toward building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, driven by the power of Nari Shakti.

Showcasing Bastar's Cultural Heritage

The Minister also visited Chilkuti village in Bastar district, where she explored the region's rich artistic traditions. A key highlight was her interaction with artisans practicing the Dhokra craft, a traditional lost-wax metal casting technique unique to tribal communities in the region.

She noted that such crafts represent more than artistic expression—they embody a living cultural heritage and identity of tribal communities.

"Preserving these traditions is essential not only for cultural continuity but also for sustaining livelihoods," she said.

Linking Culture with Livelihoods

The visit reinforced the strong connection between cultural preservation and economic empowerment, with traditional crafts like Dhokra continuing to provide sustainable income opportunities for local artisans.

Smt. Khadse interacted with women entrepreneurs and artisans, appreciating their contributions and encouraging them to scale up their ventures and explore wider markets.

Local Administration Participation

Senior district officials were present during the visit, including:

• Shri Akash Chhikara, IAS, District Collector

• Shri Shalabh Sinha, IPS, Superintendent of Police

• Shri Prateek Jain, IAS, CEO, Zila Panchayat

• Shri Gagan Sharma, SDM, Bastar

A Model for Inclusive Growth

The ongoing transformation in Chhattisgarh—driven by women-led SHGs and supported by traditional crafts—is emerging as a replicable model of inclusive development.

By integrating economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and grassroots entrepreneurship, the state is demonstrating how rural communities can become engines of sustainable growth.