Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai takes a ride in a decorated e-rickshaw with his wife Kaushalya Sai during the launch of the ‘Jashpur Express’ scheme at Bagia in Jashpur on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The scheme provides e-rickshaws to 50 women to promote self-employment and economic independence-Photo Credit:channel24india.com via CMO
‘Vishnu Bhaiya’ links the festival with women’s economic independence; beneficiaries tie rakhis to the Chief Minister
Key Highlights
- 50 women receive e-rickshaws under the newly launched ‘Jashpur Express’ scheme
- Sai says an e-rickshaw is not merely transport but a means of regular income and dignified self-employment
- Women tie rakhis to the Chief Minister; Sai presents sarees and sweets
- Last Raksha Bandhan, 14 women received e-rickshaws; this year the number rises to 50
- Development works, including a rest house costing nearly ₹3 crore, also launched at Bagia
Jaspur: With Raksha Bandhan becoming an occasion to combine celebration with economic empowerment, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday, August 27, launched the ‘Jashpur Express’ scheme at the Bagia Camp Office and handed over e-rickshaws to 50 women from Jashpur district.
Women associated with self-help groups tied rakhis on Sai’s wrist and wished him good health and a long life. The Chief Minister reciprocated by presenting sarees and sweets to the women and extending Raksha Bandhan greetings.
The initiative seeks to provide women with a source of regular livelihood while strengthening their financial independence through self-employment.
Highlighting the larger objective behind the scheme, Sai said:
“Economic independence of women is the foundation of an empowered family and a prosperous society.”
He said women associated with self-help groups were increasingly entering different livelihood activities and demonstrating their ability to contribute independently to their families.
“An e-rickshaw is not merely a means of transportation for our sisters; it can become a source of regular income and dignified self-employment.”
Sai said the government’s approach was not limited to extending financial assistance, but also to connecting women with sustainable livelihood opportunities that could enable them to stand on their own feet.
From 14 E-Rickshaws to 50: Initiative Expands
Rakhi, livelihood and empowerment: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by his wife Kaushalya Sai, celebrates Raksha Bandhan with women at Bagia in Jashpur on Thursday, August 27. Women tie rakhis on the Chief Minister’s wrist and receive gifts as ‘Jashpur Express’ provides e-rickshaws to 50 women for self-employment-Photo Credit:channel24india.com via CMO
Recalling an earlier initiative, Sai said 14 women from self-help groups had received e-rickshaws during the previous Raksha Bandhan. This year, 50 more women have been brought into the programme through ‘Jashpur Express’.
He also referred to Raipur, where 92 e-rickshaws have been provided to women for self-employment, and said women operating them were earning up to around ₹15,000 a month.
“When a woman has an income of her own, the entire family benefits. It supports children’s education, household requirements and savings for the future.”
According to Sai, women are already running grocery shops, vegetable businesses and other small enterprises through self-help groups, and e-rickshaw services are opening another avenue for income generation.
He encouraged women to take advantage of facilities such as Mudra loans and other government support to establish enterprises suited to their skills and interests.
“Our aim is that every sister in Chhattisgarh should get an opportunity to move forward, become economically empowered and participate in the prosperity of her family as well as the State.”
The Chief Minister also performed the bhoomi pujan for development works at Bagia, including a rest house to be constructed at a cost of nearly ₹3 crore and a CC road up to Yadav Mohalla.
Sai said expansion of basic infrastructure and civic facilities in rural areas remained a government priority.
The Raksha Bandhan programme concluded on a personal note as women continued to tie rakhis on the Chief Minister’s wrist. Sai said their affection and blessings strengthened his resolve to continue working for public welfare and the development of Chhattisgarh.
Jashpur Collector Rohit Vyas, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Lal Umed Singh, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Abhishek Kumar, officials and a large number of women from self-help groups were present.
