In a poignant moment that underscored the intersection of governance and grassroots empathy, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a financial grant of ₹10 lakh for a six-year-old rape survivor from Raisen district. Speaking at the ‘Samriddh Didi Se Samriddh Rashtra’ event in Delhi on the eve of Republic Day 2026, Chouhan delivered an emotional plea for a fundamental shift in how society views and protects its daughters.
"Even today, when we hear of such incidents, the soul cries," Chouhan said, his voice heavy with emotion. "There are still monsters among us who mistreat our daughters. While the law has caught the culprit, we must ask: what happens to the child’s future?"
A Secure Future for the Raisen Survivor
The Minister revealed that the ₹10 lakh has been deposited into a dedicated account for the young survivor. Under current financial growth projections, this amount is expected to mature to approximately ₹28 lakh by the time she reaches adulthood.
This gesture is part of a broader commitment to women empowerment, ensuring that victims of heinous crimes are not left to face economic hardship alongside their trauma. Chouhan emphasized that while financial aid provides a safety net, it is not a substitute for the systemic "social change" required to prevent such atrocities.
The Link Between Addiction and Violence
In a direct address to the root causes of crime, Chouhan linked the safety of women to the rising tide of substance abuse. He argued that social empowerment cannot be achieved through economic means alone; it requires a moral crusade against drugs and alcohol.
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De-addiction Campaigns: Chouhan called for mass movements to eliminate alcohol and drug abuse, citing them as primary catalysts for violence against women.
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Changing Perception: He urged citizens to move beyond temporary protests and work toward a permanent shift in social perception.
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Collective Responsibility: The Minister noted that "social empowerment" is the only shield strong enough to stop "monsters" from harming the innocent.
From ‘Lakhpati Didi’ to National Strength
Turning his focus to the 10 crore women currently involved in self-help groups (SHGs) across India, Chouhan hailed them as the "living, awakened goddesses" of the nation. He reiterated the government's ambitious Lakhpati Didi scheme target, aiming to elevate 3 crore women to an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh.
"The 'Lakhpati Didi' target is not just a government scheme; it is a mantra. These women are the embodiment of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, holding the power to transform the rural economy," Chouhan stated.
To further this mission, the Minister announced that the Aajivika Mission has evolved into a full-scale revolution. Upcoming reforms include:
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Easier Personal Loans: Streamlining the process for SHG members to access individual credit.
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Expanding Saras Melas: Moving beyond Delhi to organize regional fairs across India, providing rural women with direct market access for their products.
Conclusion: A Nation’s Moral Compass
The Minister’s dual focus on the Raisen tragedy and the triumph of self-help groups highlights a critical truth: economic progress is hollow without social safety. By securing the future of one daughter and empowering millions of others, the government aims to weave a tighter social fabric where "the soul no longer has to cry."
