Raipur. The Raipur Municipal Corporation has taken a major decision to improve the city's beauty and traffic system in the capital. Under the leadership of Mayor Meenal Choubey and the guidance of Manoj Verma, Chairman of the Urban Planning and Building Permit Department, six major roads in the municipal corporation area have been declared no-flex zones. Only government advertisements will be permitted on these roads.

Following instructions from the flying squad of the Municipal Investment Department at the Municipal Corporation headquarters, No Flex Zone information boards have been installed along the relevant routes, in accordance with a resolution of the Mayor in Council (MIC). This decision was made at the MIC's recent meeting.

The routes declared as no flex zone include the main routes from Tatibandh Chowk to Telibandha Thana Chowk via Jaistambh Chowk under GE Road, from Pachpedinaaka Chowk to Lalpur Overbridge, from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk via Chhattisgarh Club to Canal Linking Road Traffic Signal and Civil Line Road, from NIT Raipur to Raipura Chowk via Gol Chowk, from Jaistambh Chowk to Bijli Office Chowk via City Kotwali Chowk and from Mahila Thana Chowk to Budheshwar Mandir Chowk.

Mayor Meenal Choubey, Chairman Manoj Verma and Commissioner Vishwadeep have directed the Urban Investment Department, Flying Squad, Zone Commissioner and Engineers to ensure strict adherence to the no-flex zone on these routes and ensure continuous monitoring every day.

Bijapur . Security forces have achieved a major success in the encounter between security forces and Maoists in the inaccessible National Park area of ​​Bijapur district on the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border. A total of four Maoists, including National Park Area Committee Chief Dilip Vendja and a female Naxalite, were killed in this encounter. The operation was carried out under a joint operation of DRG jawans and other security forces.

According to information, intelligence agencies had received information that a large number of Maoists along with notorious Naxalite leader Papa Rao were present in the National Park area. Upon receiving the input, a joint team of DRG and security forces started a search operation. The Naxalites, who were already lying in ambush, suddenly started firing on the security forces, after which an encounter started from both sides.The Naxalites suffered heavy losses in the security forces' retaliatory action and fled the scene. Following the encounter, an intensive search operation was launched in the area, recovering the bodies of four Naxalites. National Park Area Committee Chief Dilip Vendja has been identified among the deceased, while the identities of the other Naxalites are being ascertained. The location of the encounter is considered to be

within
the influence of the dreaded Naxalite, Papa Rao. He is in charge of the National Park area and is said to be the sole member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee. Had Papa Rao been killed in this operation, it would have dealt a significant blow to the Naxalite network in the National Park region.

Along with the bodies of the Naxalites, two AK-47 rifles, other weapons, and Naxalite material were recovered from the encounter site. Currently, a search operation is underway in the area, and security forces are closely monitoring the situation.

Bilaspur. The orthopedic department of SIMS Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by successfully operating on a 5-year-old child with a rare congenital kneecap disorder. This codition, medically known as habitual patella dislocation, occurs in only 5 to 6 children out of approximately 100,000.

Gulshan Sahu, a resident of Lormi, was brought to the orthopedic outpatient department of SIMS Hospital due to severe mobility issues. The child's kneecap frequently dislocated while walking, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Dr. Sanjay Ghille, assistant professor in the orthopedic department, examined him. X-rays and an MRI confirmed the child's rare congenital malformation.

According to Dr. Ghille, in this condition, the muscles controlling the kneecap are overly tight on one side and loose on the other, causing the patella to remain unstable. Given the severity of the case, Dr. A.R. Ben, Head of the Orthopedic Department, was informed, and a successful surgery was performed on December 29th.

The operation utilized modern techniques, including VMO plasty and quadriceps Z-lengthening. The entire surgery was performed free of charge under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, providing financial relief to the family. Following the operation, the child's kneecap has stabilized, and he is now able to walk normally.

Dhamtari. The controversy surrounding religious conversions in Chhattisgarh continues unabated. Meanwhile, tensions have risen in Dhamtari district over the issue of religious conversions. Preparations were underway to bury an elderly woman in the village after her death, but villagers' protests escalated the situation. Police were deployed to control the situation, and the body was later taken to a Christian cemetery for cremation.

The deceased woman has been identified as 85-year-old Budha Bai Sahu. It is reported that some of her family members are Christians and wanted to conduct the last rites according to Christian customs. Villagers stated that the woman was originally a Hindu and burying her body in the village was against tradition. Therefore, they opposed the cremation and did not allow the body to be buried in the village.

Upon learning of the incident, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists arrived at the scene. They raised slogans and protested the burial of the body in the village, further escalating the tension. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Arjuni police station in-charge and a police force arrived in the village. Police negotiated with both parties, controlling the situation and attempting to avert any untoward incident.

Amid tight security, the body was later taken to the Christian community cemetery in Dhamtari town, where the last rites were performed according to Christian rites. According to police officials, peace is currently prevailing in the village. Police forces are deployed in the area as a precautionary measure, and the administration is constantly monitoring the situation.

Raipur. A heartbreaking incident has emerged from the capital, Raipur, where an elderly man was burned to death. A fire caused by a room heater claimed his life. This incident has sent shockwaves throughout the area. Police arrived at the scene, took his body into custody, and sent it for a post-mortem examination. They have also begun investigating the incident.

This incident occurred in Tatibandh, within the Amanaka police station area. A house caught fire, resulting in the death of an elderly man. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the elderly man had already died. Police have taken his body into custody, sent it for a post-mortem examination, and have launched an investigation.

According to reports, the deceased's son had locked the house and gone to get some groceries when a massive fire broke out. The elderly man was caught in the flames and, suffering 70 percent burns, began pleading for help. Hearing his cries, neighbors tried to help him, but were unable to enter because the house was locked.

By the time the fire brigade arrived, approximately one and a half hours after receiving the call, the elderly man had already died. Police have sent his body for a post-mortem examination and have begun an investigation. Initial investigations have revealed that the fire in the house may have been caused by a short circuit in the room heater or some other cause. Police have established a case file and begun investigating the matter.

A 49-member team of farmers led by the Collector was sent to study the water projects in Madhya Pradesh.

Jashpurnagar . Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai held a public hearing in his native village, Bagiya, yesterday, and interacted directly with citizens. A large number of villagers, women, farmers, and representatives of various social organizations attended the public hearing and apprised the Chief Minister of their personal and public problems. 

Chief Minister Sai listened to all the applications seriously and patiently and instructed the departmental officers present on the spot to examine the cases received in Jandarshan with sensitivity and ensure their quick and effective resolution. He said that the objective of the government schemes is to simplify the life of the common man and accelerate development, hence it is necessary that the benefits of the schemes reach every eligible person on time. Collector Rohit Vyas, Senior Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh and other senior officers were present on this occasion.

The Chief Minister clearly told officials that any kind of laxity or indifference in resolving public problems would not be tolerated. Public interest matters should be given top priority and resolved promptly, so that ordinary citizens do not face unnecessary difficulties. During the public hearing, many applications were resolved immediately, while in some cases, the Chief Minister issued necessary instructions to the concerned officials on the spot and ordered prompt action.

The program was attended by regional public representatives, administrative officials, and a large number of villagers. Chief Minister Sai, speaking cordially, assured the public that the government is always ready to address their problems and that each issue will be resolved on priority.

During his visit to Baghicha, the Chief Minister performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Archery Academy.

Free medicines were also distributed along with necessary lab tests.

Jashpurnagar. The Navgurukul Institute, run by the Jashpur district administration, is emerging as an effective medium for skill development and self-reliance for the district's youth and students. Students are consistently achieving success through quality education, guidance from experienced instructors, and a disciplined learning environment. The Navgurukul provides students with modern programming and business courses, as well as practical training in life skills, making them employable.

Navgurukul student Akanksha Vishwakarma, who comes from a middle-class family, exemplifies this initiative. After completing her graduation from Government Vijay Bhushan Singh Dev Girls College, Jashpur, Akanksha joined Navgurukul to give her career a new direction. The institute's free residential training, ongoing guidance, and conducive learning environment provided by the institute provided her with a powerful opportunity to advance.

While training under Navgurukul's School of Programming, Akanksha worked as a Life Skills Coordinator. Today, she is proficient in critical technical skills such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The institute also developed essential life skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Akanksha currently works as a Life Skills Associate and earns a monthly honorarium of 15,000 rupees, which will increase to 18,000 rupees upon completion of her internship. This achievement is the result of her continued hard work and NavGurukul's dedicated training model.

In accordance with Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai's vision, the Nav Gurukul Institute, run by the Jashpur District Administration, is equipping young people from rural and ordinary backgrounds with modern skills, empowering them to become self-reliant. This initiative is not only creating new employment opportunities but also empowering the district's youth to confidently build their futures.

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, is fully committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and discipline in the paddy procurement system. The government's clear policy is that irregularities, negligence, or misconduct at any level related to paddy procurement and storage will not be tolerated.

A total of 12,72,389.56 quintals of paddy was stored at the Sarda-Lenjwara paddy collection center in Bemetara district during the 2024-25 Kharif marketing year. As per the instructions of the Bemetara Collector, a joint inspection team comprising relevant departments including Revenue, Food, Markfed, Civil Supplies Corporation, Cooperatives, Agricultural Produce Market, and the District Cooperative Central Bank, Durg, was formed to physically verify and test the quality of the paddy stored at this collection center.

The joint investigation team conducted a physical verification of the Sarda-Lenjwara storage center on December 31, 2025. During the investigation, it was found that the stored paddy stacks were not in perfect condition, the paddy sacks were scattered haphazardly, and there was a serious discrepancy between the stock information available online and the paddy available on the spot. The investigation revealed a shortage of 4,209.19 quintals of coarse paddy and 49,430.03 quintals of Sarna paddy, totaling 53,639.22 quintals of paddy. The report prepared by the joint investigation team in this regard has been sent to the government for necessary action.

On the basis of the investigation report, the District Marketing Officer, Bemetara has issued orders for suspension and conducting a departmental inquiry against Mr. Nitish Pathak, Area Assistant, in-charge of Collection Centre Sarda-Lenjwara, relieving him of all charges from January 14, 2026.

In order to maintain continuity in the administrative system, Mr. Hemant Kumar Dewangan, Field Assistant, has been appointed in-charge of the Paddy Collection Center, Lenjwara (Sarda), and the Storage Center, Bemetara, until further orders. This order is effective immediately.

During physical verification, a total of 11,648.62 quintals of paddy was found physically available at the Sarda and Lenjwara collection centers, of which 3,000 quintals have been lifted. The process of lifting the remaining available paddy is continuing as per regulations.

During the investigation, it was also found that paddy was stored in plastic bags at collection centers, which is contrary to prescribed standards. All these facts have been included in the scope of the departmental investigation.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, has a clear message: "Every grain of paddy will be purchased, farmers will receive their full payment on time, but strict action will be taken against those who commit irregularities at any level." The government is working with utmost strictness and sensitivity to keep the paddy procurement system transparent, accountable, and farmer-friendly.

00 Historical improvement in drinking water system in Chhattisgarh, tap water reaches more than 32 lakh households through Jal Jeevan Mission 
00 Around 41.87 lakh household tap connections under Jal Jeevan Mission 5,564 villages declared as Har Ghar Jal Gram

Raipur. The effective and transparent implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Chhattisgarh has brought about a comprehensive and historic transformation in the drinking water system in rural areas. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw informed reporters during a press conference held today at the Samvad Auditorium in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. 

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sao informed that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 40 lakh 87 thousand 27 domestic tap connections have been provided in the state so far, which has ensured supply of pure drinking water through taps to more than 32 lakh houses. He informed that before the implementation of the mission, only 3 lakh 19 thousand 741 domestic tap connections were available in the state, whereas in the last two years of the present government's tenure, this number has increased rapidly. Sao said that the clear objective of the state government is to provide safe, pure and continuous drinking water to every rural family and to soon establish Chhattisgarh as a Har Ghar Jal state.

Saw said that currently, 6,572 villages have achieved 100% household tap connections. 5,564 villages have been declared "Har Ghar Jal Grams," of which 4,544 have been duly certified. The number of Har Ghar certified villages has increased by 750 percent over the past two years. Additionally, water supply systems have been transferred to 5,088 gram panchayats.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that prior to the Jal Jeevan Mission, 308,287 hand pumps, 4440 tap water schemes, and 2132 spot water supply schemes were operational in rural areas. Currently, 70 group water supply schemes are underway, benefiting 3208 villages, and over 985,000 household tap connections have been connected through these schemes. Emphasizing water quality, Mr. Saw stated that 77 water testing laboratories operate in the state, 47 of which are NABL accredited. For the convenience of the public, a toll-free number, 1800-233-0008, is also being effectively operated to promptly resolve drinking water-related issues.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Saw clarified that no compromise is being made on quality under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Due to faulty work, penalties of over ₹283.8 million have been imposed in the past two years, 629 contracts have been cancelled, and 11 firms have been blacklisted. Strict departmental and legal action has also been taken against erring officials and contractors.
Providing details of the upcoming action plan, he stated that the government's priorities are to construct the remaining approximately 800,000 household tap connections (FHTCs), complete over 21,000 incomplete projects, transfer over 24,000 projects to gram panchayats, and complete all ongoing group water supply schemes within the stipulated timeframe.
Providing information on human resource strengthening, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that in the past two years, 403 vacant posts have been created in the department, 213 positions have been filled, 103 employees have been promoted, and 877 government servants have been granted the benefit of time-scale pay scale.

Raipur : State Industry Minister and Kabirdham District In-Charge, Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan, said at a meeting with officials in Kawardha that the benefits of the government's public welfare schemes should reach the common people directly, and this is our main objective. All officials should discharge their departmental responsibilities efficiently. Schemes should be monitored regularly, and deficiencies should be immediately rectified so that the benefits of the schemes and the services provided reach the last person. He emphasized that every eligible person should benefit from important central government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, Ayushman Card, and Janman Yojana. He also stated that numerous construction projects are underway under various departments, which should be completed within the stipulated timeframe and with good quality. Industry Minister Shri Dewangan reviewed the progress of ongoing departmental schemes in Kabirdham district in the Collectorate meeting room. During this, Lok Sabha MP Shri Santosh Pandey, Pandaria MLA Smt. Bhavana Bohra, District Panchayat President Shri Ishwari Sahu, Vice President Shri Kailash Chandravanshi, Municipal Council President Shri Chandraprakash Chandravanshi, District President Smt. Sushma Ganpat Baghel, Pandaria Smt. Nandani Sahu, Bodla Smt. Balka Verma, District Panchayat Member Shri Roshan Dubey, Collector Shri Gopal Verma, Superintendent of Police Shri Dhamendra Singh, DFO Shri Nikhil Agarwal, In-charge District Panchayat CEO Shri Vinay Poyam along with district officers and public representatives were present.

Industry Minister Mr. Dewangan reviewed ambitious schemes under the Animal Husbandry Department, Education Department, Panchayat Department, and other departments, including the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana (PMJAY), paddy procurement, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), and Ayushman Card. Collector Mr. Gopal Verma provided information on the implementation and progress of departmental schemes. The Cabinet Minister stated that Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi's goal is to achieve a developed India by 2047. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnudev Sai, work is underway with the goal of Developed Chhattisgarh 2047. Everyone must work together as a team for the development of Kabirdham district. He stated that public representatives have informed him of the problems in their respective areas. All officials have been instructed to address these issues on priority. Regarding the Ayushman Card, he stated that complaints have been received regarding free treatment in some private hospitals. He directed a team to compile a list of such hospitals, conduct inspections, and ensure free treatment using the Ayushman Card. Also, strict action will be taken against those hospitals where irregularities are found.

Cabinet Minister Shri Dewangan said that drinking water, roads, electricity, health, and ration are basic necessities. He directed all officials to work tirelessly for this. He urged all district officials to visit the field and resolve problems quickly. Reviewing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he urged them to complete ongoing projects as soon as possible. While seeking information on the Jal Jeevan Mission, he said this is an important government scheme aimed at providing tap water to every household. The implementation of this scheme should be done at the grassroots level with complete quality and within the timeframe. Regarding the Fisheries Department, the Cabinet Minister emphasized that the benefits of the department's other schemes, including cage culture, should be extended to as many people as possible, so that their income can be increased through fish farming.

MP Shri Santosh Pandey said that officials should prioritize and ensure quality work is completed by departments where deficiencies have been identified. He also urged officials to ensure that works approved by public representatives are completed within the stipulated timeframe. While inquiring about paddy procurement, MP Shri Pandey stated that purchasing paddy from all farmers is a priority for the government. Prompt resolution of farmers' problems should be a priority. He reviewed various central government schemes and inquired about their implementation in the district. He urged students to take advantage of the Atal Tinkering Labs established in schools and develop science-based projects. He specifically instructed officials to be available to address public concerns. He inquired from the Chief Medical Officer (CMHO) regarding the construction of a Critical Care Unit (CCU). He directed widespread publicity regarding the public-friendly provisions being implemented under the Vikasit Bharat Ji Ram Ji Yojana.

Pandaria MLA Mrs. Bhavna Bohra said that it is very important to have timeliness in all development works, so that the general public can get the benefits at the right time. She took information from the Agriculture Officer regarding the storage of fertilizers and gave instructions for timely distribution. MLA Mrs. Bohra, while taking information about the veterinary mobile medical unit, instructed that this mobile unit should reach every village on time, so that the livestock farmers can get the benefit of timely treatment and other facilities. She said that the objective of this scheme is to provide veterinary facilities to the villagers near their homes. Apart from this, she also took information about the development works going on under the Nagar Panchayat. She directed the officials of the Electricity Department to solve the public problems by being active in the field.

Raipur. Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, during his one-day visit to Kabirdham, conducted a surprise inspection of the Community Health Centre Bodla on Thursday. During this, he inspected the OPD room, sonography room, emergency medical service, in-patient room, pathology room, X-ray room, medicine distribution room and delivery room. During the inspection, he distributed Mahatari kits to the admitted patients (lactating mothers). Minister Shri Jaiswal enquired about the health services from the patients admitted in the in-patient room.
At the request of public representatives and the Block Medical Officer, Bodla, Health Minister Yam Bihari Jaiswal granted on-the-spot approval of ₹50 lakh for the repair of the Community Health Center, Bodla. Minister Jaiswal directed that the hospital premises be kept clean and the prescribed medical services be implemented more effectively, so that patients in the forest area can continue to have access to better health facilities.

Surajpur. Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister, Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, visited the venue today to review the preparations for the traditional Karma competition, to be held on January 17th in the village of Chunagri in the Bhatgaon Assembly constituency of Surajpur district.
It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will be the chief guest at this grand folk cultural event. In view of the Chief Minister's proposed visit, Minister Smt. Rajwade meticulously inspected the stage, seating arrangements, security, drinking water, sanitation, parking, and other necessary arrangements, and gave clear instructions to the concerned officials to complete all preparations within the stipulated time.
During the inspection, Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade stated that the Karma competition symbolizes Chhattisgarh's rich folk culture and tradition. The Chief Minister's presence will further enhance the grandeur of this event. She urged the administration to ensure that participating artists, villagers, and the general public face no inconvenience. Surajpur Collector, Shri S. Jaivardhan, SDM, officials from various departments, and public representatives were present on the occasion.

Bilaspur News Update: A shocking incident has emerged from Bilaspur, the judicial capital of Chhattisgarh. The discovery of the body of a newborn baby in a vacant house behind the government school in Janji village, under the Sipat police station area, has caused a stir in the entire area. Following this tragic incident, an atmosphere of panic and anger has gripped the area.

According to reports, villagers discovered the newborn's body lying within the boundary wall of a vacant house behind the school and immediately informed the police. Police arrived at the scene to find the body dismembered. The infant's head and legs were recovered, while the body from the neck to the waist is currently missing. This horrific scene shocked everyone.

Upon receiving the information, Sipat police arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area, beginning an investigation. Sipat Police Station in-charge Rajesh Mishra stated that only half of the baby's body parts have been recovered so far, and an intensive search is underway to locate the remaining body parts. Police are also thoroughly examining nearby fields, bushes, and vacant premises.

The police have taken the body into custody and sent it for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause and time of death. They are also investigating who dumped the newborn in the vacant house and under what circumstances.

Given the seriousness of the matter, the police are investigating every aspect. This incident raises serious questions not only about law and order but also about social sensibilities. Currently, an atmosphere of discussion and concern prevails throughout the area, with people demanding strict action against the culprits.