Mahila Madai inaugurated in Raipur

Raipur, March 4

Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, inaugurated the state-level Women’s Madai today at the Science College grounds in Raipur.

The event is being organized under the theme ‘Empowered Women, Prosperous Women’ and will continue until March 8. The Madai features an exhibition and sale of products created by women’s self-help groups from across the state.

During the event, Minister Rajwade visited the sales-cum-exhibition stalls set up by women’s groups. The women from self-help groups were excited to have the minister among them. She actively participated in shopping at various stalls, tasted ragi, sattu, and bajra laddoos, and praised their quality. On this occasion, she also honored Padma Shri awardee Jageshwar Yadav.

The event was attended by MLA Shri Sunil Soni, State Women’s Commission member Smt. Laxmi Verma, Ms. Shalini Rajput Shaheed, Secretary Smt. Sammi Abidi, Director Shri Janmejay Mahobe, and other departmental officials and employees.

The Women’s Madai features 87 stalls, and visitors can explore the sales-cum-exhibition section from 12 PM to 10 PM. A selfie zone has been set up as a major attraction, along with a play zone for children, featuring swings and toys for their entertainment.

Several information and assistance stalls were key highlights of the event, including Nava Bihan, Mahatari Vandan Sakhi Center, Women’s Helpline, Disha Darshan, Kanya Vivah, Sponsorship, Foster Care, Child Welfare Committee, Juvenile Justice Board, Child Helpline, Child Marriage Awareness, Adoption Services, and Model Anganwadi Centers. A cultural evening was also organized, where Chhattisgarhi folk artist Ms. Garima Diwakar delivered a captivating performance.

Apart from Women & Child Development Department groups, stalls were also provided free of cost to self-help groups from other departments, such as NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission), Forest Department, and Panchayat Department. Additionally, to support local women entrepreneurs, producers, and startups, stalls were allocated to registered women entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses.