As the keynote speaker, Mr. Nitin Vijay (NV Sir), a renowned academician, "Physics Guru," and founder of Motion Education (Kota), will guide the students. He will share his experiences on the secrets of success in competitive exams, career planning, and building self-confidence. This state-level event will be attended by students from schools and colleges in Surajpur district and surrounding areas. The district administration and the Kapidhwaj team are in the final stages of preparing to ensure a well-organized and inspiring program. This event will serve as a source of inspiration not only for students in Surajpur but for students across Chhattisgarh and will provide a new direction for educational empowerment in the state

Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, presented the achievements of the last two years and the future action plan in the press conference.

Raipur, January 28, 2026/ Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Chhattisgarh Government, and Mr. Vivek Acharya, Managing Director and Director, Culture and Archaeology, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, gave a detailed account of the achievements of the last two years and future action plans at a press conference held at Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium in Nava Raipur. Officials said that by giving tourism the status of an industry, the state government has established a model of coordinated progress in all three areas: economic development, cultural preservation and heritage promotion.

Tourism gets industry status

Tourism Department – ​​Fast steps towards investment, employment and global recognition

The Chhattisgarh government's designation of tourism as an industry opened new doors for private investment. Investor Connect programs held in major cities across the state and the country secured private investment of over ₹500 crore. This will boost tourism infrastructure, hotels, resorts, and adventure tourism activities. Under the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, an agreement with IRCTC provided special trains to Ayodhya in 2024-25. This scheme has proven to be a significant step towards promoting religious tourism. A new homestay policy was implemented to promote rural tourism in the state, with a target of developing 500 new homestays. The state government notified the Chhattisgarh Homestay Policy 2025-30 on November 24, 2025. This policy provides capital investment subsidies and interest subsidies to encourage the development of new homestays across the state, supporting rural and community-based tourism. The state government has also approved a budget for this.

Film City and Convention Centre – Rs 350 crore project

Dr. Rohit Yadav informed that the development of an integrated Film City and Convention Center has been approved under the Government of India's Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment (SASCI) to States, with a total estimated cost of ₹350 crore. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on January 24, 2026, by Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai. This is a major step towards establishing Chhattisgarh as a national film production hub. The construction of the Chitrotpala Film City will give Chhattisgarh a new identity in the field of film production, both nationally and internationally. This ambitious initiative will not only propel Chhattisgarh towards becoming a major hub for film production and cultural events, but will also provide a new impetus to the state's creative economy. The construction of the Chitrotpala Film City and the Tribal and Cultural Convention Center will provide a national and international platform for local talent, generate new investment opportunities, and further strengthen Chhattisgarh's cultural identity globally. This project will open new avenues of development for the state's youth, artists, and tourism sector in the years to come.

Bhoramdev Temple Corridor Project

Director of Culture and Archaeology, Mr. Vivek Acharya, stated that the Bhoramdev Corridor is being constructed under the Central Government's Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0. The project is being developed along the lines of Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Corridor at a cost of approximately ₹146 crore. This is an important step toward establishing a new national identity. On January 1, 2026, India's Tourism Minister, Mr. Gajendra Shekhawat, and Chief Minister, Mr. Vishnudev Sai, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project. The Bhoramdev Temple is a nearly 1,000-year-old historical heritage, and the construction of this corridor aims to preserve it for thousands of years to come.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 30 lakh for the construction of a fully equipped community hall.

Kumari Ankita Prajapati and Shri Durgesh Chakradhari presented his painting to Chief Minister Shri Sai.

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The two-day state-level convention of the Kumbhar Samaj kicked off today in Navagaon, Abhanpur, with great fanfare. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai inaugurated the event by lighting a lamp. The occasion showcased the Kumbhar Samaj's traditional art, culture, and social unity. Shri Sai also announced a donation of ₹30 lakh for the construction of a fully equipped building for the community's development.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the programme, a potter making a wheel was presented to Chief Minister Shri Sai as a symbol, depicting the art and culture of the potter community, which is the identity of pottery art and a symbol of hard work.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai congratulated Chhattisgarh Kumbhakar Samaj for the successful organization of the grand convention, youth-girl introduction conference and talent award ceremony.

Chief Minister Shri Sai began his address by paying tribute to the late Vice President of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, and prayed to God to give his family the strength to bear this loss. Wishing the young men and women attending the Parichay Sammelan a bright future, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this Sammelan provides a powerful platform for the sons and daughters of the society to choose suitable life partners. The Chief Minister appealed to the community to ensure that every son and daughter in their community is educated. He said that education is not only a means to obtain employment, but is also essential for leading a successful, cultured, and responsible human life. The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is completing 25 years of its establishment this year, and in these 25 years, the state has made remarkable progress in every field, including roads, electricity, water, food grains, education, and health.
He informed that through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, every village has been connected with asphalt roads. The number of colleges in the state has increased and the availability of medical and engineering colleges has also become widespread, providing youth with opportunities for higher education in their own state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the present government has fulfilled most of the promises guaranteed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in just two years. He informed that paddy procurement in the state is being done speedily with complete transparency and the bonus amount to farmers is being transferred to their accounts in one lump sum, instead of in four installments. Mothers and sisters are getting direct financial benefits from the Mahatari Vandan Yojana for women empowerment.

The Chief Minister said that under the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, more than 40,000 Ram devotees have visited Ayodhya so far. Referring to the ongoing campaigns against Naxalism in the Bastar region, he said that over the past two years, security forces have fought against Naxalism with courage and determination. Naxalism is now in its final stages, and the goal is to completely eradicate it from the country by March 31, 2026. He said that a new journey of development has begun in Bastar, and the establishment of security camps has created an atmosphere of peace and trust in the region.
Praising the new industrial policy, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that it is receiving positive responses both domestically and internationally. He informed that the state has received investment proposals worth approximately ₹8 lakh crore, and several industries have already been established in Naya Raipur, which will create new employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister said that the priority of the government is all-round development, social harmony and creation of self-reliant Chhattisgarh, in which active participation of every section of the society is necessary.

Raipur :Deputy Chief Minister and Public Health Engineering Minister Shri Arun Sao participated in the Ministers' Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable O&M of Rural Drinking Water Services, organized by the Government of India under the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure effective operation and maintenance (O&M) of rural drinking water services. Held in New Delhi, this policy dialogue was chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil and Union Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna, Secretaries and Additional Secretaries to the Government of India, and Ministers of Public Health Engineering, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj from various states. This dialogue program included in-depth discussions between the Government of India and various states on ensuring sustainable, robust, and effective rural water supply systems.

Discussion between the Central Government and the States on the operation and maintenance of drinking water schemes transferred to the Panchayats.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, in the Niti Samvad, gave detailed information about the works being carried out under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Chhattisgarh, the challenges being faced at the ground level and the achievements of the state. He said that after transferring the drinking water schemes constructed under the Mission to the Panchayats, it is very important to ensure their effective operation and maintenance, so that continuous, safe and quality water supply is maintained in rural areas. Shri Saw described the role of Panchayats, local participation and technical cooperation as the basis for the sustainability of the water supply system.

The meeting also discussed in-depth practical experiences and suggestions received from various states of the country, so that necessary steps could be taken to make the water supply system at the grassroots level more robust, sustainable, and beneficial to the public. On behalf of the state, Mission Director of Jal Jeevan Mission, Mr. Jitendra Shukla, Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department, Mr. Onkesh Chandravanshi, Superintending Engineer, Mr. A.K. Malve, and Executive Engineer, Mr. Sanjay Rathore also participated in the meeting.

Raipur :The Chhattisgarh government's farmer-friendly schemes and the effective implementation of modern technologies are providing new opportunities for self-employment and income growth in rural areas. Mr. Kailash Paikra, a resident of Maja village in the Batauli development block of Surguja district, is a prime example. He has achieved remarkable success in farming as well as fish farming by adopting biofloc technology.

Mr. Kailash Paikra traditionally cultivated rice, but to generate more income, he contacted the Fisheries Department and took advantage of the government's Biofloc scheme. Under this scheme, he started fish farming at a cost of approximately ₹1.4 million (14 lakh rupees), receiving a subsidy of ₹8.4 million (8.40 lakh rupees). He developed a modern pond and biofloc system on his 32x32 decimal plot.

Biofloc technology produces more fish in less water and limited space. Currently, his farm houses approximately 10,000 fish, including approximately 7,000 tilapia, as well as species such as rohu, catla, mrigal, and rupchand. Due to natural breeding, production is steadily increasing, providing him with a steady income throughout the year.

Mr. Paikra explained that he doesn't need to go to the market to market his fish; traders themselves visit the farm and purchase the fish. Wholesale prices range from 150 to 160 rupees per kilogram and retail prices range from 150 to 200 rupees per kilogram.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai for this achievement, Mr. Kailash Paikra said that government schemes have made him self-reliant. His success is inspiring other farmers in the area to adopt modern fish farming techniques, thereby strengthening the rural economy.

Korba,: For Brijlal Rathiya, a progressive farmer from Kerakachar village in the Korba development block, this year's paddy procurement was a positive and smooth experience. The government's prompt, transparent, and online token-based paddy procurement system allowed him to sell his produce on time and without hassle.

Today, Wednesday, Rathiya sold 100 quintals of paddy at the Korkoma Procurement Committee. This is his second sale this procurement season. He previously sold 80 quintals of paddy at the committee. Thus, so far this procurement season, he has sold a total of 180 quintals of paddy to the government. He owns 12 acres of agricultural land, where he diligently cultivates paddy. Last year, he also successfully sold 205 quintals of paddy.

Brijlal Rathiya explains that while there was uncertainty before receiving online tokens, now that paddy is procured on the scheduled date, it not only saves time but also provides assurance of a fair price for your hard work. The entire process of weighing, registering, and purchasing paddy at the committee has been simple, transparent, and farmer-friendly.

This system is an important initiative toward empowering farmers with self-reliance. In line with the government's vision, the paddy procurement system is now becoming more accessible, transparent, and trustworthy in the interests of farmers, enabling them to receive fair value for their labor and feel confident about their future.

Surajpur, January 29 . In Chhattisgarh's Surajpur district, the district administration took extensive and strict action in a single day against irregularities in illegal paddy storage, transportation and procurement, creating panic among paddy traders. Joint teams of the Revenue, Food Department and Police seized more than 350 quintals of illegal paddy by taking action in various areas including Pratappur section. During this, vehicles were seized, tokens were cancelled and action was also taken to surrender the land where irregularities were found.

Under the direction and guidance of Collector S. Jaivardhan, during an inspection in the Kadampara area of ​​Pratappur late last night, a Swaraj Mazda vehicle number CG 15 DX 6949 parked near Shivdhar Ojha's house was searched. Approximately 116 quintals of paddy in 290 jute bags was found illegally loaded. The investigation revealed that no token for paddy sale had been issued in the name of the person concerned, nor were any valid documents presented. The vehicle, along with the paddy being transported to the market for illegal sale, was seized and further action is being taken as per the rules.

In the same sequence, at around 1 a.m., a joint team of administration and police intercepted two pickup vehicles illegally transporting paddy towards Palma. Both vehicles were found loaded with approximately 52 quintals of paddy, packed in 130 sacks. As no valid documents were produced on the spot, the paddy was seized and handed over to the Chander Chowki. The Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue), Tehsildar Bhatgaon, and Chander Chowki police played an active role in this action.

An investigation conducted in the village of Dhondha in the Pratappur division found that 145.60 quintals of paddy stored in 350 sacks purchased under the third token in the name of Basant, son of Ramprasad, was found to be substandard and against regulations. Upon confirmation of the violation of the required standards, all the paddy was confiscated. A panchnama was prepared against the procurement in-charge, the relevant token was cancelled, and instructions were given to surrender the acreage as per the rules.

Meanwhile, serious irregularities were also discovered during the verification of paddy tokens in Batai village of Dandkarwa sub-tehsil. A 440-quintal token issued to Sonsai, son of Tapeshwari, was found to be 59 quintals short, while a 150-quintal token issued to Sumant Patel was found to contain only 100 quintals. In both cases, an area equivalent to 109 quintals of paddy was surrendered as per the rules.

Additionally, the administration's vigilance thwarted an attempt to illegally dispose of paddy at the Revti paddy procurement center in the Pratappur area. An investigation revealed that Anupam Patel's paddy was brought to the committee premises via Lal Bahadur Patel's tractor at around 8 p.m. When the investigation revealed an attempt to illegally dispose of the paddy, 50 sacks of paddy were confiscated

Raipur, January 29 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will be busy with departmental meetings today, Thursday. He will hold a review meeting with various departments at Mahanadi Bhawan, located in the Nava Raipur Secretariat, after 11 a.m., where departmental work and progress will be discussed.

At 5 p.m., the Chief Minister will hold a press conference on e-Pragati at the Raipur New Circuit House. Afterward, he will leave for the Chief Minister's residence at 5:30 p.m.

New Delhi/Raipur . The Supreme Court has granted significant relief to the accused in the highly publicized multi-crore scam cases in Chhattisgarh. The Supreme Court has granted regular bail to Soumya Chaurasia, Ranu Sahu, and Suryakant Tiwari. Previously, the three accused were out of jail on interim bail, which has now been converted into regular bail.

The case was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Jayamala Bagachi. While granting bail, the court imposed a clear condition that the three accused remain outside the state for the time being, so as not to affect the investigation process, evidence, and witnesses.

During the hearing, senior advocates Siddharth Dave, Harshvardhan Parghania, Shashank Mishra, Tushar Giri, and Mukt Gupta argued on behalf of the accused. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani and Additional Advocate General Ravi Sharma presented their arguments on behalf of the state government.

The Supreme Court also clarified in its order that the grant of bail does not imply any comment on the merits of the case. Investigating agencies will have complete freedom to continue their investigation.

Following this Supreme Court decision, political and legal circles in the state have become increasingly active. All eyes are now focused on the direction of the investigation and trial.

Raipur . In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, a team from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested a Nigerian national at Raipur's Swami Vivekananda Airport. 270 grams of cocaine, estimated to be worth approximately ₹2.5 million in the international market, was recovered from the accused. The incident occurred in the Mana police station area.

According to information received, the accused arrived in Raipur from Delhi on an Indigo flight on Wednesday morning. Based on suspicious activity at the airport, the DRI team stopped him and conducted a search. Following the search, cocaine was recovered from his possession and he was taken into custody on the spot.

Following the investigation, the accused was taken to the DRI office where he is being thoroughly interrogated. The investigating agency is working to determine where the cocaine was supplied and to whom it was intended. The accused's network, contacts, and other individuals involved in the drug trafficking are also being investigated.

DRI officials say that the entire case will be revealed once the interrogation is complete. This action is considered a major blow to the international drug smuggling network active in the state including Raipur.

Raipur . Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said today that along with the expansion of basic facilities, the government is giving top priority to the conservation, restoration and promotion of ancient cultural heritage. Minister Shri Kashyap today performed the ground breaking and inauguration of various development works worth Rs 5 crore 84 lakh 76 thousand in Bastar development block under Narayanpur assembly constituency. She participated in the programmes organised in Farsaguda, Sorgaon, Cherakur and Chhotealnar and gifted development schemes to the villagers. A large number of villagers were present in the programmes.

Mr. Kashyap stated that the highest number of works, amounting to ₹48.5 million (₹98.8 million), have been approved for the Cherakur cluster. Among these, the construction of the Cherakur to Kolebeda road, costing ₹46.4 million (₹98.8 million), is prominent. This road will strengthen the connectivity of the area and facilitate the movement of villagers. Groundbreaking ceremonies were also held for the construction of culverts at various locations to improve drainage and traffic. Several important projects were also initiated in Sorgaon and Chhotealnar. In the Sorgaon cluster, works have been approved for a cultural building in Kesharpal, a cultural stage in Nayagudrapara, a community hall in Kuchiguda, and high-mast lighting in Baniyagaon at a cost of ₹30.38 million (₹30.38 million). Similarly, in Chhotealnar, construction of community buildings in Dhavdagudra, Manjhipara, and Temaruguda has commenced at a cost of ₹50.5 million (₹50.5 million). Water tankers were also distributed to address the drinking water problem in the Gram Panchayat Chhotealnar. Ground breaking ceremony for the construction of culverts was held in Devda and Taragaon.

The program began in Farsaguda, where the construction of a compound at the Anganwadi center, a Mandali Bhavan near the Shivguri pond, and a culvert near the Mata Mandir in Bhanpuri were inaugurated at a cost of ₹17.90 lakh. Minister Kashyap stated that expanding infrastructure and preserving culture in remote forest areas are the government's top priorities. Describing the Cherakur-Kolebeda road as the foundation for the region's progress, he said that this 4.80-kilometer-long road will help connect villagers with the mainstream of development. He also informed that culverts are also being constructed in Cherakur to improve drainage.

Forest Minister Mr. Kashyap said that cultural buildings and community buildings play an important role in promoting tribal culture and social harmony. The construction of these buildings in Sorgaon and Chhotealnar will promote social activities. At the end of the program, Minister Mr. Kashyap said that all approved works will be completed within the stipulated time frame so that the villagers can get the benefits soon. District Panchayat President Mrs. Vedvati Kashyap, Janpad Panchayat President Mr. Santosh Baghel, District Panchayat Member Mr. Nidhiraj Diwan along with public representatives, officers and employees of various departments and a large number of villagers were present in the program.

Urges for upgradation of 13 National Highways and declaration of 8 roads as new National Highways

00 Jyoti Prakash praised the transparent system and better facilities at the procurement centers
Raipur. The systematic system of paddy procurement in Surguja district is not only empowering the farmers but has also increased their enthusiasm towards farming. The transparent system at the paddy procurement centers has made the process of selling paddy simple and convenient. In this connection, Shri Jyoti Prakash, a farmer from Kerakachhar village, praised the government's arrangements.

Farmer Shri Jyoti Prakash shared his experience, explaining that his father, Shri Gosai, has a paddy field of 32 quintals registered in his name. He explained that previously, one had to wait for a long time to get a token at the committee, but the government's "Kisan Tuhar Token" mobile app has solved this problem. Jyoti Prakash explained that he received an online token for the sale of 32 quintals of paddy from home, without any problems. Jyoti Prakash, who visited the Mendra Kala procurement center to sell paddy, reported that upon entering the center, the gate pass, moisture testing, and gunny bag delivery were completed promptly. He also praised the cooperation of the committee staff and the drinking water and other facilities available to farmers at the procurement center.

Farmer Mr. Bihari Lal said that farmers are excited by the purchase of paddy at the rate of Rs. 3100 per quintal and the setting of a limit of 21 quintals per acre under Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai's government. Mr. Jyoti Prakash said that farmers are benefiting financially by receiving the highest price for paddy. He said that they are using the proceeds from paddy sales to expand wheat, oilseed, and vegetable cultivation, thereby increasing their income and empowering them financially.

Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai for the government policies that empower the farmers of the state, Jyoti Prakash said that today the farmers are happy and are becoming economically prosperous by getting the right price for their produce.

Raipur. The livelihood ponds being constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) are emerging as an effective means of income generation for small and marginal farmers in the state. Along with promoting water conservation, this initiative is creating new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
Construction of a livelihood pond under MNREGA is underway on the farm of Mr. Bihari Lal, a small farmer from the village panchayat Mendrakhurd in Surguja district. Being constructed at a cost of approximately ₹199,000, 95 percent of the work on this pond has been completed. Rainwater harvesting in the pond will increase crop irrigation and facilitate smoother agricultural operations. Bihari Lal stated that through the pond, he will begin advanced vegetable farming and fish farming, significantly increasing his income. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai and the district administration for this facility, he said that this scheme is proving extremely beneficial for small farmers like him.

To strengthen water management and promote rural livelihoods in the district, the district administration is constructing approximately 403 livelihood ponds. These ponds will encourage rainwater harvesting, help conserve groundwater, and promote irrigation, fisheries, and other multi-purpose activities. Concrete steps are also being taken to empower villagers by creating local employment opportunities.

In this regard, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Vinay Kumar Agrawal stated that it is the Chhattisgarh government's priority to ensure that the benefits of development schemes reach the last person in society. Schemes like Aajeevika Dabhri are strengthening the rural economy and providing farmers with a sustainable source of income. He added that through these efforts, hundreds of farmers like Mr. Bihari Lal of Mendrakhurd are setting a new example of self-reliance by joining the mainstream of development.

Raipur. With the paddy procurement for the Kharif marketing year 2025-26, Chhattisgarh's villages have not only been blessed with paddy, but also with a new crop of trust, satisfaction, and self-confidence. A living example of the government's farmer-friendly policies is Mrs. Chauti Bai Sahu, a woman farmer from Sambalpur village in Dhamtari district. Her story has emerged as a powerful example of sensitive governance and good administration.
Until now, Chauti Bai's husband had been responsible for the family's paddy sales, but this year, due to health reasons, she took on this responsibility herself. For her, this was not just a process of selling paddy, but a new journey of self-reliance and self-confidence. She arrived at the procurement center with 57 quintals of paddy, according to the pre-determined token. Despite shouldering such a significant responsibility for the first time, Chauti Bai's face clearly reflected no nervousness, but rather, satisfaction and confidence. She explained that the procurement center's well-organized, transparent, and farmer-friendly system made the entire experience easy and respectful. All the necessary facilities like gunny bags, porters, digital weighing machines, trained operators, drinking water, toilets and electricity were available at the centre, due to which the farmers did not face any problem.

Chauti Bai plans to provide better treatment for her husband with the proceeds from the paddy sale. Her gratitude to the government is evident in her voice. She said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the government's decision to provide a support price of Rs. 3,100 per quintal and purchase 21 quintals of paddy per acre has proven to be a support for farmers. This has not only made farming profitable but has also provided economic security to rural families.