Following the instructions of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, the Collector tightened his belt and set a deadline to complete the work within a month.

Raipur, May 7, 2026 / The administration has taken a major initiative to address the severe drinking water crisis in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district. On the instructions of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, 113 new hand pumps and borewells are being installed in Pahari Korwa (a particularly vulnerable tribal group) settlements and remote forest areas. Providing safe drinking water near homes to villagers living in remote hilly areas and reducing their dependence on traditional, distant water sources remains

a top priority for the government. People living in remote forest areas should not be deprived of basic amenities, and ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes, especially essential services, reach the last person remains a top priority.

The result of the Chief Minister's sensitivity

Recently, during his visit to Surguja, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai took the drinking water problem seriously and directed the District Collector to take immediate and effective action. The Chief Minister's clear instructions were that villagers living in the forest region should not be deprived of basic amenities.

The collector gave a one-month deadline.

In compliance with the Chief Minister's directives, Surguja Collector and DMF (CDF) Chairman Mr. Ajit Vasant has activated the administrative machinery. He has issued strict instructions to the concerned departments and District Panchayat CEOs to complete all 113 hand pumps and borewell excavations within one month.

Where and how many hand pumps will be installed?

The on-site survey for these works, approved under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMIT), has been completed. Using funds from the District Mineral Fund, the work will be carried out in various development blocks, including 34 new hand pumps in Lundra, six in Batauli, 22 in Lakhanpur, 11 in Ambikapur, 16 in Sitapur, 20 in Mainpat, and four in Udaipur.

Approval received at a high-level meeting

Tourism Minister Mr. Rajesh Agrawal and Lundra MLA Mr. Prabodh Minj, along with other members, approved this work as a priority at the District Mineral Foundation Trust's Governing Council meeting held on April 24. This initiative will free thousands of residents of hundreds of villages in the district, especially hill Korwa families, from their dependence on traditional wells and distant water sources, providing them with access to clean drinking water near their homes.

All civic bodies have been asked to check hand pumps, bore wells and other water supply systems once a week and carry out necessary repairs.

Instructions were also given to immediately repair any leakage or damage in the pipeline, and to relocate pipelines and house-service connections passing through drains.

He asked to open drinking water stalls at important public places and also ensure drinking water arrangements for livestock.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao had given instructions in the review meeting to ensure continuous and proper drinking water supply during summer.

Raipur. 8 May 2026. The Urban Administration and Development Department has given instructions to all bodies to resolve the drinking water crisis. The department has issued a circular to the commissioners of all municipal corporations and chief municipal officers of municipalities and town councils in the state, giving detailed guidelines in this regard. The department has asked all bodies to check hand pumps, borewells and other water supply systems once a week and carry out necessary repairs. It has also given instructions to immediately repair leakages or breakages in pipelines and to relocate pipelines and house-service connections passing through drains.

Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration and Development Minister Shri Arun Sao recently directed the municipal bodies during a review meeting to ensure continuous and adequate drinking water supply during the summer. In compliance, the Directorate has issued instructions to all municipal bodies to address the drinking water crisis and ensure the supply of clean and safe drinking water. The department has also directed the identification of wards and settlements where the water level drops during the summer and to ensure water supply through appropriate means.

The Urban Administration Department has said in a circular issued to all bodies that to resolve the summer drinking water crisis, the Commissioner in Municipal Corporations and the Chief Municipal Officer in Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats will be the nodal officers. To resolve the drinking water crisis, they will personally review the resolution of complaints daily. The complaints received for the maintenance and repair of water supply schemes will be recorded in the register and their resolution will be ensured within the time limit. The department has instructed all bodies to ensure the supply of pure drinking water to the people during the summer season by strictly following the instructions issued by the Directorate.

The department has asked the bodies to ensure that bleaching powder solution and sodium hypochlorite are added in the required quantity to disinfect the water of hand pumps. Instructions have also been given to regularly test the amount of chlorine in the water supply and to ensure re-chlorination in the overhead tank as per requirement. Instructions have also been given to ensure cleaning and disinfection of the silt of water purification plants, high level reservoirs and sump wells installed in the bodies. The department has asked to open drinking water stalls at bus stands, markets and other important places and to provide manpower along with water arrangements there. For this, voluntary cooperation can also be taken from social organizations and NGOs.

The Urban Administration Department has asked for early completion of water supply schemes approved under the 15th Finance Commission and other heads. The bodies have been directed to complete such water augmentation schemes and works of Amrit Mission which are in the stage of completion, within 15 days and start drinking water supply. Besides, the bodies have also been directed to immediately start the operation of the completed schemes and ensure that the benefits of drinking water supply schemes reach the citizens. The bodies have also been directed to ensure drinking water arrangements for livestock. For this, necessary arrangements have been asked to be ensured by coordinating with the Water Resources Department and the Public Health Engineering Department for filling water in the ponds for disposal.

Under the Chief Minister's Kanya Vivah Yojana, mass marriage of 150 couples took place in Raigarh district.

Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary blesses newly married couples

Assistance of Rs 50,000 to each couple, Rs 35,000 transferred directly to their accounts through DBT.

Announcement of additional incentive of Rs. 5,000 each to 45 newlywed brides from the voluntary grant fund.

Raipur, May 8, 2026/ Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA Shri O.P. Choudhary on Friday attended the mass marriage ceremony organized under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana at Patelpali Krishi Upaj Mandi in Raigarh and blessed the newly married couples and wished them a happy married life. In this mass marriage program organized in various development blocks of the district, a total of 150 newlyweds started their new life by taking seven rounds with Vedic chanting and traditional rituals. The spirit of social harmony, simplicity, culture and family harmony was seen in the event.

As part of mass marriage programs organized in the district, 45 couples were married in Raigarh, 15 in Kharsia development block, 30 in Banjari Dham Kharsia, 30 in Lalunga development block, and 30 in Dharamjaigarh. The Women and Child Development Department made attractive and well-organized preparations at all the venues. The wedding pavilions were decorated with traditional decorations, and proper arrangements were made for the necessary amenities for the bride and groom and their families.

Addressing the event, Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary said that the Chief Minister's Kanya Vivah Yojana is not just a scheme to facilitate marriages, but an important campaign that promotes social equality, simplicity, and social responsibility. He added that events like mass marriages send an effective message against social evils like the dowry system and become a vehicle for positive change in society.

He said that the state government is working sensitively to ensure the marriages of daughters from poor and needy families are solemnized with dignity. It is the government's priority that no family faces difficulties in marrying off their daughter due to financial constraints.

Referring to the government's transparent system, Mr. Chaudhary said that under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, each couple is provided with a financial assistance of Rs. 50,000, of which Rs. 35,000 is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), so that there is no role for middlemen and eligible beneficiaries can get the full benefit of the scheme. He informed that the remaining amount is spent on the bride and groom's attire, essential items and wedding arrangements. This initiative of the state government is an important step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of the schemes.

On this occasion, Finance Minister Mr. Chaudhary also mentioned the state government's ambitious "Rani Durgavati Yojana." He stated that this scheme is being launched with the goal of ensuring a secure and empowered future for daughters. Under this scheme, upon registration after the birth of a daughter, the government will provide a financial assistance of 1.5 lakh rupees upon reaching the age of 18. He stated that this scheme will prove to be a milestone in the education, self-reliance, and empowerment of daughters.

During the program, Finance Minister Mr. Chaudhary also announced an additional incentive of Rs. 5,000 each from the voluntary grant fund to 45 newlyweds. He said that after the necessary procedures are completed, this amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.

Praising the Gayatri Parivar, which participated in the event, he said that the Gayatri Parivar is doing inspiring work in the field of culture, education, moral values ​​and social reform in the society. Praising the efforts of the officers and employees of the Women and Child Development Department, he said that this event was successfully completed due to the coordinated efforts of all. Raigarh Mayor Shri Jeevardhan Chauhan along with a large number of public representatives, officers, employees and citizens were present in the program.

A grand celebration of social harmony and public welfare

Raipur / Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Chhattisgarh once again presented a wonderful example of social harmony and public welfare. Under the Chief Minister's Kanya Vivah Yojana, 1,385 couples tied the knot in grand mass wedding ceremonies held across the state on May 8th. The resounding sound of shehnai filled the entire state with celebration. This event became a grand celebration of social unity, equality, and human sensitivity.

Thousands of families participated in these ceremonies, held in every district, from the capital Raipur to the remote forest areas. These weddings, conducted with traditional customs, simplicity, and dignity, sent the message that government schemes are not limited to paper, but are reaching the last person in society.

While congratulating the newly married couples, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana has removed the long-standing worries of poor and needy families.

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade said that this scheme is not limited to financial assistance, but also provides a dignified, well-organized, and respectful wedding. She explained that extensive preparations were made by the administration in all districts, ensuring well-equipped wedding venues, quality food, clean drinking water, health services, security arrangements, and other necessary amenities to ensure a pleasant experience for every newlywed couple and their families.

According to official data, a target of 3,200 marriages has been set for the fiscal year 2026-27. Of this target, 347 marriages were previously solemnized, while 1,385 were solemnized during the statewide event on May 8. Thus far, a total of 1,732 couples have tied the knot, representing significant progress toward the goal.

The event's most significant feature was its inclusive spirit. Couples from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and other marginalized communities tied the knot according to their respective religious customs. This scene became a living symbol of Chhattisgarh's cultural diversity and social unity.

Under the scheme, each newly married couple is provided financial assistance of 35,000 rupees, enabling them to begin their married life with self-reliance and self-respect. The government also ensures the provision of necessary materials and other arrangements during the wedding.

It is noteworthy that on February 10, 2026, in a massive mass wedding ceremony held in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, 6,412 couples were tied in the bond of marriage, setting a new record in the field of social harmony. Chhattisgarh's name was also registered in the Golden Book of World Records for this historic achievement, which is a matter of pride for the entire state.

This statewide event is a powerful testament to the fact that sensitive leadership, effective planning, and public participation can bring about positive change in society. The Chief Minister's Kanya Vivah Yojana is writing a new story of Chhattisgarh's development by becoming a symbol of women's dignity, social equality, and collective responsibility.

Meeting of the Executive Committee of Chhattisgarh Irrigation Project Board concluded.

Pairi Link Canal and Bastar lift projects gain momentum

Raipur/ Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Mr. Vikassheel, while reviewing various approved irrigation projects in the state, has given strict instructions to the officials to expedite the work. In the meeting of the executive committee of the Chhattisgarh Irrigation Project Board held at the Ministry's Mahanadi Bhawan, he clarified that processes like land acquisition and forest clearance should be completed within the time limit so that farmers can get the benefits of the projects soon.

Major achievements and projects of the meeting

Pairi-Kodar Link Canal (Gariaband) A pipeline link canal will be constructed from the Sikasar Reservoir to the Kodar Reservoir. This project will utilize excess water from the Pairi River, a tributary of the Mahanadi, for drinking water, drainage, and industrial purposes. This will develop new irrigation facilities for 25,000 hectares in Gariaband and Mahasamund districts.

Mohmela-Sirpur Barrage (Raipur) – This proposed barrage on the Mahanadi River in the Arang development block will ensure lift irrigation for 1,800 hectares. It will also promote tourism, boating, and easy transportation in the area.

Matnar Multipurpose Project (Bastar): This proposed project on the Indravati River will prove to be a milestone for Bastar. Based on a lift system, it will require no displacement or rehabilitation, thereby preserving the local ecology. Deurgaon Lift Barrage (Bastar): This project, to be built on the Indravati River near Jagdalpur, will significantly contribute to Bastar's economic and social development.

Tender and Administrative Approval

The tender formats for various projects were discussed in detail and approved at the meeting. The Chief Secretary directed that technical and administrative hurdles be addressed on priority. Present at the meeting were Water Resources Department Secretary Mr. Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, Energy Secretary Mr. Saransh Mittal, Finance Department Special Secretary Mrs. Sheetal Shashwat Verma, along with chief engineers and senior officials from various projects.

Now the paved road has reached Mandalakona behind Sarodha Dam.

The picture of the forest area is changing due to PM Janman Yojana.

Transportation has become easier, tourism is getting a boost

Raipur: The new road built under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana for the village Mandalakona, located in the forest area of ​​Kabirdham district, is no longer just a means of transportation, but is also becoming the basis for change in people's lives. This village, located behind the Sarodha Dam, was previously difficult to reach. During the rainy season, the unpaved and uneven roads virtually cut off the villagers from the main road. School-going children, patients seeking treatment, and people traveling for daily needs had to endure long periods of inconvenience.

But now the picture has changed. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Manman Yojana (PMGSY), the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) department has constructed a 4-kilometer-long paved road from Sarodha Main Road to Mandalakona at a cost of approximately ₹21.7 million. This construction has provided all-weather connectivity to the forest region.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Manman Yojana (PMJAY) specifically focuses on providing basic amenities to remote, hilly, and particularly vulnerable tribal areas. Road construction in such areas directly impacts education, health, employment, and administrative access. The impact is now clearly visible in Mandalakona as well. Villagers now find themselves spending less time traveling to markets, hospitals, and government services.

Raipur:

Good Governance Festival 2026: 70 cases resolved on the spot at Arang Samadhan Camp; Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb listened to the problems and

directed to resolve the pending applications within a week.

Raipur: Instructions for disposal of pending applications within a week

Instructions for disposal of pending applications within a week

Instructions for disposal of pending applications within a week

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, a grand district level Samadhan Camp was organized in Arang development block as part of the state-wide Good Governance Festival 2026. The camp, organized in the Swami Atmanand School premises, was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment Minister Shri Guru Khuswant Saheb and by interacting directly with the common people, gave instructions for quick resolution of their problems. A total of 593 applications were received in the camp, out of which 70 cases were resolved immediately, providing relief to the beneficiaries.

Under various schemes, Vandan cards (2), Ayushman cards (11), ration cards (5), and gas cylinders (4) under the Ujjwala scheme were distributed at the camp. Income, caste, residence, and birth-death certificates were also provided.

Good Governance Festival 2026 has become an effective medium for solving public problems, receiving widespread public support.

872 applications received at Mohrasop camp, 275 resolved on the spot

Raipur: The minister listened to the problems with affection.

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade said, "Good Governance Festival is an innovative initiative of the state government, through which the government and administration are reaching out to the villagers' doorsteps to ensure prompt, transparent, and sensitive resolution of their problems." She added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, this campaign is embodying the spirit of Antyodaya and has become a powerful example of the government's pro-people approach. She delivered this address as the chief guest at a public problem resolution camp organized under Good Governance Festival 2026 in Mohrasop village of Odgi district panchayat, Surajpur district. A large number of people from remote rural areas attended the event and presented their problems, demands, and complaints, which the administration demonstrated by resolving on the spot.

Delhi: A new twist has come in the murder case of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's PA Chandranath Rath in West Bengal.

Initial investigations have revealed that the murder was a conspiracy orchestrated by professional shooters. A second motorcycle used by the attackers was recovered from the Barasat area after the incident. Police have detained three suspects and begun questioning them.

Chandranath Rath, 42, was shot dead in Madhyamgram on Wednesday night. He was returning home from Kolkata. A car blocked his Scorpio, prompting the assailants on a bike to open fire.

The attackers shot him twice in the chest and once in the stomach. After the incident, the accused abandoned the car and fled on two bikes. Investigation revealed that both the car and the bike had fake license plates.

Police claim that a modern Glock 47X pistol was used in the murder, which is not typically possessed by ordinary criminals. Therefore, investigating agencies are working on the angle of professional contract killers. CID and special teams have been deployed to investigate.

BJP MLA Shashank Ghosh claimed that he was talking to Chandranath on the phone at the time of the incident. He said that suddenly he heard gunshots and groans on the phone. Later, an unknown person answered the phone and informed him that Chandranath had been shot.

The political atmosphere has also heated up following this murder. In 13 years, Suvendu Adhikari has lost three close associates. Previously, his PSO, Subhabrata Chakraborty, and colleague, Pulak Lahiri, also died under suspicious circumstances. Chandranath Rath's last rites were performed in his native village, Purba Medinipur.

Delhi: The suspense over government formation in Tamil Nadu continues to grow. Vijay's party, TVK, is trying to garner the necessary support to form a government, but the Governor has not yet accepted their claim.

The Governor has asked Vijay to prove his majority with the signatures of 118 MLAs, but he assured that no other party would be invited to form the government.

Meanwhile, the TVK has intensified talks with the Left parties, the VCK, and the IUML, to secure a majority. Meanwhile, the DMK has directed all its MLAs to remain in Chennai until May 10th.

According to party sources, a major political decision could be made in the coming days. Amidst the government formation process, 28 AIADMK MLAs are staying at a resort in Puducherry. These MLAs are said to be close to senior leader C.V. Shanmugam.

According to sources, discussions are underway between TVK and the rebel faction of AIADMK regarding the division of the post of Deputy Chief Minister and ministries, while party general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami is said to be against this formula.

Meanwhile, the DMK legislative party meeting passed four important resolutions. The party expressed gratitude to the public and its allies and authorized Chief Minister MK Stalin to take necessary decisions in the current situation. It also accused the Congress of breaking the alliance and returning to its old political stance.

Meanwhile, the swearing-in of the new government in Assam will take place in Guwahati on May 12. The BJP-led NDA has secured a clear majority in the state, winning 102 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ceremony.

Delhi. The process of forming a new government in West Bengal will accelerate today. The name of the new Chief Minister is expected to be announced at a meeting of the BJP Legislature Party.

The party has appointed Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the central observer and Mohan Charan Majhi as the co-observer. Both leaders will attend the legislature party meeting in Kolkata at 2 pm. The swearing-in of the new government is scheduled for May 9 at the Parade Ground in Kolkata.

Suvendu Adhikari is considered the frontrunner for the Chief Minister's post. He defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Bhawanipur seat by over 15,000 votes. Suvendu also won the Nandigram seat.

In the assembly election results announced on May 4th, the BJP won 206 out of 293 seats, paving the way for its first government in Bengal. The Trinamool Congress was reduced to 81 seats. Re-polling will be held on May 21st for the one-seat deficit.

Following the election results, Bengal politics has been increasingly heated. On May 5th, Mamata Banerjee refused to resign, stating that her party had lost not due to a mandate but due to a conspiracy. She also leveled serious allegations against the Election Commission.

Meanwhile, on May 6, Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead. The incident occurred in the Madhyamgram area, where bike-borne assailants opened fire on his Scorpio. The political atmosphere became even more tense after this incident.

On May 7, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that his PA's murder was a political vendetta. He said that his close associate was targeted because he had defeated Mamata Banerjee.

Delhi: Police detained Nida Khan, the main accused in the alleged sexual harassment and forced religious conversion case at the TCS office in Nashik, Maharashtra, from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday night. The Nashik Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating the matter.

Earlier, on May 2, a Nashik court rejected Nida Khan's anticipatory bail plea. The prosecution argued in court that the charges were serious and that the accused's custody was necessary for interrogation. According to the police, Nida had been absconding for a long time.

Nine FIRs have been filed in the case so far. In the complaints, female employees have alleged sexual harassment within the office, hurting religious sentiments, and mental pressure to convert. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has so far arrested eight accused, including a female operations manager.

According to the FIR, the accused targeted newly recruited female employees aged 18 to 25. The complaints allege that they were pressured to wear burqas, pray namaz, and eat non-vegetarian food. In some cases, they were also accused of forcing sexual relations under the pretext of marriage and then blackmailing them.

The victims alleged that lewd comments, objectionable gestures, and harassment were frequent occurrences in the office, and that derogatory remarks were made about Hindu deities, hurting religious sentiments.

The investigation also revealed that the accused had created a WhatsApp group where they allegedly discussed "targeting" female employees. Police are also examining digital evidence.

The company has issued a statement on the matter and said that it works on a zero tolerance policy against any kind of harassment and coercion.

Jammu. Following Operation Sindoor, security in Jammu and Kashmir has been strengthened down to the village level. Over the past year, more than 1,500 Village Defense Guards (VDGs) have been given special training in five districts, including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, and Samba. These villagers are now working 12-hour duty hours alongside the army and police in border areas.

VDG members are now equipped with SLRs, bulletproof vests, and wireless communication sets, replacing the .303 rifles they previously used. Training includes weapons handling, tactical movement, surveillance, and emergency response.

According to Amit Kumar, a resident of Rajouri, there have been several infiltration attempts over the past year, but villagers have averted major incidents by alerting the army and police in time. Villagers also conduct joint patrols with security forces at night.

Security agencies claim that strengthening local networks has significantly impacted terrorist activities. Over the past year, there has been a 27.5% decrease in deaths from terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. From 127 deaths previously, this figure has now dropped to 92.

According to a police officer, 50 to 60 percent of search operations are based on human intelligence input from local residents. VDG members also played a key role in recent operations against terrorists in Kishtwar and Kathua.

Meanwhile, 190 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are returning to Jammu and Kashmir amid preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, which begins on July 3. The administration is focused on strengthening security at tourist sites and highways.

Raipur. The discovery of suspected bomb-making materials in the Ravabhata area of ​​the capital, Raipur, has taken a political turn. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, targeting the Congress party, said that after being ousted from power, opposition parties attempt to foment unrest in the state, but the government is fully vigilant and will respond to any nefarious activity.

On the other hand, former PCC chief Dhanendra Sahu sharply retorted against the government. He accused the government of behaving "like an ostrich" and only blaming the Congress. He argued that the incident was the result of administrative negligence and the government should be held accountable.

What is the whole matter?

A suspicious bag was found in the home of Mitanin Pushpa Sahu in Ward No. 13 of Raipur's Ravabhata area. According to reports, the bag was left there by a man named Vinay Devangan, a resident of Birgaon, claiming to have kept it there for a short time. Later, people inside became suspicious and informed local councilor Ashwani Yadav. The councilor and local residents opened the bag and examined it, revealing equipment including batteries, wires, an airgun, two bottles of suspicious chemicals, and a detonator. Upon receiving the information, Raipur North police, the bomb squad, and a forensic team arrived at the scene and cordoned off the entire area. The suspicious material was seized and sent for investigation.

Police engaged in investigation

Police have begun examining footage from nearby CCTV cameras and are preparing to question Vinay Dewangan in the case. Only after a forensic examination will it be clear what the actual purpose of the recovered material was. Following the incident, panic and discussion have gripped the area. Police are investigating the case from every angle, and officials say the situation will be clarified only after the investigation is complete.

Raipur: Raipur Chhattisgarh United Kisan Morcha Sarv Chhattisgarhi Kisan Samaj state agitators Anil Dubey, Lala Ram Verma, Chetan Devangan, Chhannu Sahu, Mahendra Kaushik, Jagdamba Sahu, Vimal Tamrakar, Ritu Mahant, Manu Bai Patel, Shyama Bai Dhruv, Tukeshwari Dhruv have termed the Good Governance Festival by Vishnu Dev Sai government as a joke with the public, on which lakhs of cases have been registered in the tehsil court, complaint has been lodged in the police station, Vishnu Dev is collecting tax for everyone, who will answer for this, in Lok Bhawan the state agitators have filed an affidavit on corruption to the Governor and are demanding dismissal of Vishnu Dev government, it is the constitutional right of every Indian citizen to file an affidavit complaint with proof, it is important to mention here that Vishnu Dev has filed nine affidavit complaints of farmers on which Vishnu Dev government has maintained silence.

Raipur: 07 May 2026: For the first time, the Central Regional Council meeting is being held in Bastar. Special preparations are being made for this. Dial 112 is currently available in 16 districts of the state, which will be expanded to the entire state. Bastar does not produce gold, it produces iron, hence iron ore related plants will be set up in Bastar and a special action plan is being worked out to promote tourism here. The talk of setting up big plants and changing the environment here is just a rumour. I also hear about the talk of being sent to the central team of BJP. This important information was given by the state Home Minister Vijay Sharma in a special conversation with Dainik Chhattisgarh Watch on Wednesday.

After a lengthy discussion with officials following the administrative reshuffle at Mahanadi Bhawan in Naya Raipur on Wednesday, Home Minister Vijay Sharma granted Chhattisgarh Watch an exclusive interview. During this interview, Mr. Sharma provided us with important information. Rumors abounded regarding some of the news, but accurate information was unclear. Therefore, we spoke directly with the Home Minister to confirm the matter.

First of all, the meeting of the Central Regional Council is going to be held on 19th May, please explain it in detail.

Home Minister: The Central Zonal Council meeting on May 19th is being held in Bastar for the first time. It was previously held in Varanasi on June 24th last year. This time, it will be held in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and our Honorable Chief Minister, Shri Vishnudev Sai, will participate in the meeting. The main agenda of the meeting will be security, internal security, socio-economic development, and infrastructure issues in the Naxal-affected region.

Question: Are there still Naxalites left in Bastar? There's talk of setting up heavy industries in Bastar, which is also being said to be disrupting the ecological balance there.

Home Minister: Look, Bastar is mined for iron, not gold. Therefore, iron-based industries already exist, and related industries will be established. Furthermore, tourism is receiving special attention. Furthermore, development here was hampered by Naxalism. Work is underway to rapidly integrate it into the mainstream. Regarding Naxalism, the main leaders have laid down their arms, and there is a risk that those who have mingled with the general public may become active, but we remain vigilant. Not only Naxalism, but the Left has been rejected across the country. Today's reality is that working towards solving problems through democratic means has become the fundamental mantra. It is our responsibility to ensure everyone's faith in this. Ideologies may differ, but reaching out to the public and working with democratic values ​​through elections is also a respect for the common people. Regarding Bastar, IED removal work is underway. An accident occurred during this period, resulting in the tragic death of DRG soldiers. These IEDs pose a grave threat not only to humans but also to animals, and a courageous effort is underway to remove them. We anticipate that by the middle of next year, we will have removed the

- Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel Takes Charge of Preparations and Issues Strict Directives on Security and Facilities. The State administration has geared up for the successful organization of the upcoming Indian Premier League T20 matches scheduled to be held on May 10 and 13 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur. Chief Secretary Vikasheel on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials from various departments at Mahanadi Bhawan and issued detailed instructions to ensure flawless arrangements. Following these directives, the administration is fully prepared to host this major cricketing event and provide spectators with a safe and enjoyable experience.

*Match Schedule*

On May 10, 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Mumbai Indians, while on May 13, 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Kolkata Knight Riders.

*Special Focus on Security and Traffic Management*

Chief Secretary Shri Vikasheel emphasized that the safety of thousands of spectators and smooth traffic management are the administration’s top priorities. In view of the large influx of visitors arriving in Raipur after online ticket bookings, the Police Commissioner, Raipur has been directed to prepare a detailed action plan. A dense network of CCTV cameras will be installed in parking areas and around the stadium. Barricading and parking management will be jointly handled by the police, NRDA, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

*Emergency Services*

Dedicated emergency routes will be marked for fire brigades and ambulances to ensure immediate response in case of any contingency. For smooth coordination, a high-level executive committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Collector, Raipur. It includes the Superintendent of Police (Rural), Municipal Commissioner, Director (Sports and Youth Welfare), Regional Transport Officer (RTO), CEO of NRDA, and other senior officials. While the overall responsibility rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association, the administration will extend full support in arranging drinking water, electricity, roads, and healthcare services.

*Availability of Basic Facilities*

The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department has been tasked with ensuring uninterrupted and adequate water supply at the stadium. The power department, including Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited, has been directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity during the matches.

The meeting was attended by PWD Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, PHE Secretary Mohammad Qaiser Abdul Haq, Sports Secretary Yashwant Kumar, Collector Raipur Gaurav Singh, and senior officials from police, energy, transport, tourism, and CSPDCL. Representatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association also shared updates on their preparations.

Raipur. In a major relief to women, the Chhattisgarh government has published a notification in the state gazette granting a 50 percent discount on stamp duty on land and house registrations. This decision is being considered a significant step towards women's economic empowerment and increasing their property ownership.

In fact, a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai decided to provide a 50 percent discount on property registration fees for women. Now, a notification has been issued formalizing this decision. Once implemented, purchasing land or housing will become much cheaper and easier for women than before.

The government believes that this decision will encourage families to register property in women's names. This will not only strengthen women's economic position but also provide them with social security. This scheme could have a positive impact, especially in rural and middle-class families.

However, this exemption is also likely to impact the state government's revenue. According to government data, the decision could impact revenue by approximately ₹153 crore. Nevertheless, the government views this as a long-term social investment.

Experts believe that increasing women's share in property ownership will strengthen their empowerment and could also help promote gender equality.

Overall, this decision of the government is being considered an important initiative towards making women economically self-reliant and strengthening their position in the society.