Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday, 20 May met women members of RAJIVIKA at the Village Development Chaupal programme held in Chudada village, Kushalgarh, Banswara district, praising the initiative as a replicable model for rural women's economic upliftment. He said RAJIVIKA had enabled women across the state to build enterprises worth lakhs and crores of rupees, while simultaneously driving social transformation in villages.

RAJIVIKA as a Model for Rural Empowerment

Sharma described RAJIVIKA as having emerged as a role model for women's empowerment, generating both livelihoods and a measurable shift in social standing for rural women. He urged women present to join Rajivika Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and motivate others, stressing that even modest capital could unlock significant opportunity. During the event, he distributed cheques to members of several SHGs and interacted directly with beneficiaries who shared their experiences.

Notably, acting on a request from Van Dhan Manager Vidhika, the Chief Minister directed the District Collector to establish a CLF (Cluster Level Federation) workshop for Rajivika women in Banswara. He also instructed officials to set up a product packaging unit following a request by Cluster Manager Dharmishta Pandya.

Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Key Numbers

Sharma highlighted that more than 22 lakh women across Rajasthan have been trained under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, of whom over 17 lakh have achieved 'Lakhpati Didi' status — meaning annual incomes of at least ₹1 lakh. Women in Dungarpur and Banswara have been active participants in the scheme, he said.

State Welfare Schemes for Women

The Chief Minister outlined a range of welfare measures being implemented by the state and central governments. Under the MAA Voucher Scheme, women are receiving free sonography services. More than 13 lakh bicycles and over 44,000 scooters have been distributed among girls. Financial assistance under the Matru Vandana Yojana has been raised from ₹5,000 to ₹6,500, while the Lado Protsahan Yojana provides savings bonds worth ₹1.5 lakh on the birth of a girl child. Free sanitary napkins have been distributed to more than 1 crore women and girls.

He also cited central government schemes — Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, household toilet construction, Ujjwala Yojana LPG connections, the Har Ghar Nal Se Jal initiative, and Jan Dhan bank accounts — as having materially improved women's lives. Sharma said the state government was working in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the welfare of women, youth, farmers, and labourers.

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and Political Remarks

Highlighting legislative steps, Sharma said Prime Minister Modi had introduced the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies. He alleged that opposition parties blocked efforts to further strengthen the legislation in Parliament, citing political considerations — a charge the opposition has not accepted.

Voices from the Ground

Gunvati Ninama, Van Dhan Manager, said: 'I manufacture organic and chemical-free products. Today, I earn between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 per month. Joining Rajivika gave me the opportunity to move forward and grow.'

Nirmala, BC Sakhi, said: 'After receiving training as a Business Correspondent Sakhi, I now facilitate transactions worth over ₹15 lakh and earn nearly ₹15,000 every month. People in my area no longer need to stand in long bank queues. I appeal to all women to join these groups and move towards progress.'

Dharmishta Pandya, Cluster Manager, said: 'Rajivika has given me a new identity. People now recognise me as a Lakhpati Didi. Around 8,200 women are associated with my cluster.'

The event was attended by Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharadi, Revenue Minister Hemant Meena, MLAs Kailash Chandra Meena and Shankar Lal Decha, along with government officials and a large gathering of women and villagers. Local artists welcomed the Chief Minister with traditional tribal folk dances, and he was felicitated with a traditional tribal bandi and a bow and arrow. The government has indicated that expanding RAJIVIKA's reach into tribal districts remains a priority going forward.