State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 02 Apr 2026

Women-Led Self-Help Groups Drive Economic Empowerment in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, highlighted how women-led self-help groups and tribal crafts drive economic empowerment and inclusive growth in Chhattisgarh. 

Key Points 

• About: Raksha Khadse, visited the Growth Centre and the Pragati Women Self-Help Group stalls under the Chhattis Kala brand in Jagdalpur. 
• State Schemes: She noted the positive impact of state women‑centric programmes such as Mahtari Vandan Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana, which provide financial support, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and market access. 
• E‑Commerce: Efforts such as product sales through e‑commerce platforms and ready‑to‑eat food products have expanded market reach for women‑produced goods. 
  • She emphasised that these interventions contribute to nutrition security, employment creation, and strengthening of the rural economy. 
• Engagement: She also interacted with women entrepreneurs and artisans, appreciated their contributions, and encouraged them to scale up their initiatives. 
• Model of Inclusive Growth: The transformation underway in Chhattisgarh through women‑led self‑help groups and tribal crafts is emerging as a compelling model of women empowerment, rural development, and inclusive growth 

Read More:  Inclusive growth, Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana 

India Begins First Fully Digital Census

Why in News? 

The Government of India has commenced Phase I of Census 2027 – Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), marking the beginning of the world’s largest census exercise with the introduction of digital data capture and self-enumeration. 

Key Points 

• About: Census 2027 is India’s nationwide population enumeration exercise conducted to collect demographic, social, and economic data for policy planning and governance. 
  • The exercise marks the country’s 16th Census and the 8th to be conducted since Independence. 
• Digital Census: Census 2027 will be the first Indian census with digital data capture and an online self-enumeration facility. 
  • For the first time, enumerators will collect and submit data using a mobile application on smartphones. 
• Self-Enumeration Facility: 
  • Citizens can submit details through a secure web portal (se.census.gov.in). 
  • A Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) will be generated after submission for verification during the enumerator’s visit. 
• Beginning : Droupadi Murmu, President of India, became the first citizen to complete the self-enumeration process for Census 2027. 
  • About 55,000 households from these States/UTs availed Self-Enumeration facility on the very first day. 
• Languages: The self-enumeration facility is available in 16 regional languages, making the process accessible to people across the country. 
• Initial Rollout Areas: The self-enumeration process initially started in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, and areas under New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Cantonment Board.  
• Phase I – Houselisting and Housing Census: 
  • Conducted between 1 April and 30 September 2026. 
  • Each state/UT will conduct 30 days of continuous field operations within this period. 
  • For the first time, an additional 15-day period for Self-Enumeration will be provided just before the commencement of the door-to-door survey. 
• Information Collected: During Phase I, details related to housing conditions, household amenities, and assets will be collected through 33 notified questions.  
• Legal Framework: The data collected during the census is protected under the Census Act, 1948, ensuring strict confidentiality of personal information. 

Read More: Census Act, 1948, Census 2027 Mascots