New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday made an unscheduled stop at a roadside stall at Telibandha Marine Drive in Raipur, where Meera was selling earthen lamps. Sai bought an earthen lamp from her for the upcoming 'Aashirwad Ka Diya' programme under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and gave her Rs.1,000, according to the state government.

The chief minister also spoke to Meera about her work and family and asked whether she was receiving benefits under central and state government welfare schemes. Meera told him that she had opened a bank account under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and was receiving Rs.1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.

Sai said government schemes become meaningful when...