Women's Self-Help Groups Become New Identity of Self-Reliance, Nutrition and Change

Raipur, May 20, 2026/The state government has initiated a program in Chhattisgarh that links women's empowerment with malnutrition eradication, bringing a new ray of hope, confidence, and economic stability into the lives of rural women. By entrusting women's self-help groups with the responsibility of manufacturing and distributing supplementary nutrition (Ready-to-Eat) for Anganwadi centers, the government has not only provided employment to women but also offered them an opportunity for empowered participation in the mainstream of development. This initiative, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, is emerging as a coordinated model of women's empowerment and nutritional security in the state. Earlier, the manufacturing of supplementary nutrition was carried out by external agencies, but now, women from the villages have taken over this responsibility. This has created local employment and led to a noticeable improvement in the economic condition of women. The state government has implemented this scheme as a pilot project in the first phase in the districts of Raigarh, Korba, Surajpur, Bastar, Dantewada, and Balodabazar-Bhatapara. The responsibility of manufacturing and distributing Ready-to-Eat nutritional food has been assigned to 42 women's self-help groups in these six districts. Thousands of women have gained employment through these groups, and they are now collectively managing production, packaging, quality control, and distribution. The first Ready-to-Eat production in the state commenced in Raigarh district, setting an inspiring example for the entire state. Ten women's self-help groups are involved in this work in Korba district, ten in Raigarh, seven each in Surajpur and Balodabazar-Bhatapara, six in Bastar, and two in Dantewada. Through these groups, quality supplementary nutrition is being delivered to Anganwadi centers on time. The most significant aspect of this initiative is that it has expanded women's roles beyond that of mere laborers; they have also become part of the management and decision-making process. Women working in the production units have been trained in machine operation, quality testing, packaging, storage, distribution, and accounting management. These units, equipped with modern technology, have provided rural women with an opportunity to become self-reliant. The Ready-to-Eat manufacturing plants operating in Surajpur district present a strong picture of this change. In plants operating in the Bhathiyathan, Pratappur, and Surajpur development blocks, women are preparing nutritious savory porridge and sweet Shakti Aahar. These food items contain essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and Folic Acid, which are highly beneficial for the health of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Women working in these plants are now not only fulfilling their family responsibilities but have also become important partners in the district's nutrition campaign. In Surajpur district, the responsibility of distribution, along with manufacturing, has also been handed over to women's groups, enabling a large number of rural women to connect with livelihoods. Approximately 430 women are actively engaged in delivering nutritional food to Anganwadi centers. Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, has described this initiative as a significant step towards women's economic self-reliance and improved nutrition for children. She stated that this scheme is playing a crucial role in providing employment to women and simultaneously improving the nutritional status of the state. Indeed, this initiative is not limited to the production of nutritional food; it is also a powerful story of social change. Women who were once identified solely with domestic chores are now operating production units, leading groups, and becoming the foundation of their families' economic strength. Regular income has brought stability to their lives, boosted their confidence, and strengthened their participation in society. This model, operated through women's self-help groups in Chhattisgarh, is bringing the concept of "Empowerment with Nutrition" to reality. This initiative proves that when women are given opportunities and trust, they not only transform their own lives but also determine the direction of development for the entire society.