Fulfilling a key promise under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantees, the Chhattisgarh government on Thursday launched the Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food distribution scheme through women self-help groups (SHGs), starting from Raigarh district. Under this initiative, all 2,709 Anganwadi centres in Raigarh will now receive RTE food prepared and distributed by local women SHGs.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai handed over official contract letters to 10 selected SHGs at a public programme in Raigarh. The event was also attended by Finance Minister OP Choudhary, Raigarh MP Radheshyam Rathiya, Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh, MLA Purandar Mishra, District Panchayat President Shikha Ravindra Gabel, Mayor Jivardhan Chauhan, and District Panchayat Member Sushma Khalkho.
CM Sai said, “The state government has decided to entrust supplementary nutrition responsibilities to women SHGs as part of a pilot project in six districts. Raigarh is the first to implement it on ground.”
पोषण भी, रोजगार भी – माताओं-बहनों के हाथों में बदलाव की डोर
महतारी के मान-सम्मान और बच्चों के बेहतर भविष्य का संकल्प लेते हुए हमारी सरकार ने राज्य में आंगनबाड़ी केंद्रों के लिए ‘रेडी टू ईट’ पूरक पोषण आहार के निर्माण और वितरण का कार्य फिर से महिला स्व-सहायता समूहों को सौंपने का… pic.twitter.com/nLpWLBvy8G
— Vishnu Deo Sai (@vishnudsai) July 10, 2025
Empowering Women Through Nutrition: First Phase Begins in Raigarh
The Chief Minister stated that this move will ensure that nutritious food reaches children while also creating economic opportunities for women. “This initiative will empower women socially and economically while improving children’s nutrition,” he added.
Finance Minister OP Choudhary highlighted that the scheme aligns with the national goal of empowering three crore “Lakhpati Didis”. He urged all selected SHGs to maintain quality standards and make the project a model for other districts.
ALSO READ: #CGBusinessEasy trends nationwide as Chhattisgarh’s industry reforms win over internet, investors
Under the scheme, the SHGs will receive capital subsidies for setting up production units through the PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) scheme, implemented via the Department of Industries. These groups will operate across ten project areas in Raigarh: Raigarh Urban, Raigarh Rural, Pusaur, Kharsia, Gharghoda, Tamnar, Lailunga, Mukdega, Dharamjaigarh, and Kapu.
Multiple Government Initiatives Highlighted
On the occasion, CM Sai also reiterated that several guarantees made under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership have already been implemented in Chhattisgarh, including:
- ₹3,100 per quintal paddy procurement
- Pending bonuses disbursed for two years
- ₹1,000 monthly assistance under Mahtari Vandan Yojana
- ₹5,500 per standard bag tendu leaf collection rate
- Charan Paduka Yojana and pilgrimage schemes like Ram Lalla Darshan revived
He added that Atal Digital Seva Kendras have been launched to ensure rural banking access in 1,460 gram panchayats, with plans to extend the facility across the state.
