PM Ujjvala Yojana: Bijapur district of Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, which was once notorious for the problem of Left Wing Extremism (LWE), is now writing a new story of development and prosperity. Ujjwala Yojana, one of the major schemes of the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has brought a transformational change in the lives of the women here.
Not only Ujjwala Yojana, but many other public welfare programs like Good Governance Mahotsav and “Niyad Nellanar” have also deeply impacted the lives of people.
Smoke free, health and time saving
Earlier, women had to spend hours collecting wood from the forest to cook food and had to work in smoke-filled kitchens. But now, cooking on LPG gas is making their life easier, safer and healthier.
Thousands of women have got free gas connections. They are now not only saving their time in cooking but are also protecting their health from toxic fumes. Where earlier eye irritation and respiratory diseases were common among women, kitchens are now filled not with smoke but with smiles.
Many women say that cooking on LPG saves them time, allowing them to focus better on their children and other household chores.
New direction for transparency and empowerment
The benefits of government schemes and services are now visible in almost every village here. Rural women are actively participating in activities like Self Help Groups (SHGs), nutrition campaigns and Swachh Bharat Mission. Administrative officials are regularly visiting the villages, listening to the problems of the people and providing solutions to them. These initiatives have given a new direction to transparency and public participation in governance.
These schemes have also increased the participation and empowerment of women. Women are now not only managing the household, but are also becoming self-reliant by engaging in employment-oriented activities. They are selling their products in local markets, becoming economically stronger through self-help groups, and playing an active role in village development.