Overview On November 5, 2025 , the Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan , attended the 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh . He praised the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative as a model for women-led development and the strengthening of grassroots democracy. The Vice-President also acknowledged Chhattisgarh’s progress in various sectors, including power generation, healthcare, and curbing Naxalism. Key Developments Lakhpati Didi Initiative Vision: The initiative, championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi , aims to create 3 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' across India. Impact: Over 2 crore women nationwide and 5 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have achieved financial independence through self-help groups and income-generating activities. Financial Assistance: In Rajnandgaon , over 1 lakh women are connected through 9,663 Self-Help Groups , facilitated by more than ₹700 crore in financial assistance. Mahila Samman Yojana: The state government has directly transferred over ₹13,000 crore under the Mahila Samman Yojana to empower women beneficiaries across 20 installments . Grassroots Democracy Women's Leadership: Over 1,000 women serve in local self-governance roles in Rajnandgaon as Panch, Sarpanch, Janpad, and Zila Panchayat members . Decentralization: Democracy thrives in gram sabhas, panchayats, and self-help groups , ensuring participation, transparency, and local empowerment. Chhattisgarh's Progress Power Sector: Chhattisgarh has transformed from a state facing power scarcity to one that produces electricity for the entire country. Healthcare: Significant improvements have been made in healthcare, including cataract-free initiatives and the implementation of Ayushman Bharat . Naxalism: Successful efforts to eliminate the Naxal problem from the region are attributed to the collaborative vision of the central and state governments, and security forces. Other Initiatives Udayachal Health and Research Institute: The Vice-President inaugurated a new five-storey facility at this institute, which plays a pivotal role in making Chhattisgarh cataract-free . National Netra Jyoti Abhiyan: The Vice-President underscored the national progress towards Cataract-Free Bharat through this Abhiyan. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam as it touches upon several important themes: GS1: Social empowerment, particularly women's empowerment through self-help groups. GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors, including women and healthcare. GS3: Inclusive growth and the role of government schemes in poverty reduction and economic development. Important Facts The 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative aims to create financially independent women through self-help groups. Chhattisgarh has made significant progress in power generation, healthcare, and curbing Naxalism. The state government's Mahila Samman Yojana has empowered women beneficiaries through direct financial transfers. Grassroots democracy is strengthened through the participation of women in local self-governance. Chhattisgarh's creation on November 1, 2000 , fulfilled the vision of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee .