Raipur. During the ambitious public hearing program held at the Chief Minister's residence office today, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai sensitively and promptly resolved the problem of Praveen Giri Goswami, a disabled person from Mahadevghat, Raipura. He provided immediate assistance by presenting a cheque of 20,000 rupees for the marriage of his daughter, Phool Giri Goswami. Goswami, a disabled person, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Sai for this. 
Praveen Goswami, a priest by profession, has four daughters, three of whom are married, and the fourth, Phool Giri Goswami, is engaged. He explained that he suffers from diabetes. He burned his leg while riding a motorcycle, and due to a diabetes infection, his leg had to be amputated. His savings were also exhausted for his treatment. Due to his poor financial situation, he is facing considerable difficulties in arranging his younger daughter's wedding. He barely manages his household expenses with the income he earns from temple donations. Mr. Goswami, a disabled person, felt relieved upon receiving the 20,000 rupee cheque from the Chief Minister.

रायपुर। मुख्यमंत्री श्री विष्णु देव साय ने आज मुख्यमंत्री निवास कार्यालय में आयोजित जनदर्शन कार्यक्रम के दौरान दिव्यांगजनों की समस्याओं का संवेदनशीलता के साथ त्वरित समाधान किया। इस अवसर पर जरूरतमंद दिव्यांगजनों को बैटरी ट्राइसिकल प्रदान किए गए।

जनदर्शन के दौरान मुख्यमंत्री श्री विष्णु देव साय ने आज जनदर्शन में पैरों से चलने में असमर्थ रायपुर शंकर नगर से श्रीमती बिन्दु बीरे उम्र 45 वर्ष बेट्री चालित ट्रायसायकल प्रदान किया द्य कमजोर आर्थिक स्थिति के कारण वे ट्रायसायकल नहीं खरीद पा रही थी द्य उनकी समस्या सुनते ही मुख्यमंत्री ने तत्काल बेट्री चालित ट्रायसायकल उपलब्ध कराया। बेट्री चालित ट्रायसायकल मिलने पर श्रीमती बिन्दु बीरे ने मुख्यमंत्री श्री साय का आभार व्यक्त करते हुए कहा कि उन्हें अब कहीं भी आने-जाने में कठिनाई नहीं होगी, उन्होंने मुख्यमंत्री की संवेदनशीलता की प्रशंसा की।

Rajnandgaon. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, eligible beneficiaries are given assistance of Rs 1 lakh 20 thousand and 90 man-days of wages from MNREGA scheme to build pucca houses with basic amenities for the families living in homeless and kutcha houses. The government has approved the construction of 40454 houses in the district in the last two years. In the financial year 2024-25, 30766 houses have been approved. Out of which 23294 (75.71 percent) houses have been completed and 7472 houses are in progress. Similarly, 9688 houses have been approved in the financial year 2025-26. Out of which the first installment has been provided to 7026 beneficiaries.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, the houses of approved beneficiaries are being inaugurated from time to time by organizing Bhoomi Pujan and Griha Pravesh programs in the presence of the beneficiaries for the completed houses. By organizing a one-day campaign in the district through Innovation, the approved beneficiaries are being motivated to start the unstarted houses and complete the houses under construction within the time limit. Under rain harvesting, soak pits are being constructed in the approved houses of the beneficiaries and the beneficiaries of excellent houses and those who complete the houses in less time are being honored at the district and development block level. To make the beneficiaries skilled as laborers for increasing the standard of living, a training program is being organized by the Rural Self-Employment Training Center, Barga.

Raipur. On Thursday morning, the second day of his two-day visit to Bijapur, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma visited the rehabilitation center and had a cordial meeting with the rehabilitated youth. On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister sat with the youth, had breakfast, and inquired about their well-being. While inquiring about the facilities available at the rehabilitation center, Deputy Chief Minister Sharma urged the youth to maintain regular contact with their families. He explained that their relatives visit the weekly market in Bijapur on Sundays, so they should visit the rehabilitation center and meet them. Additionally, they should regularly communicate with their families via mobile phones to check on their well-being. It is noteworthy that all rehabilitated youth have also been provided with free mobile phones.

The rehabilitated youth reported that they are using their mobile phones to access WhatsApp, YouTube, and also shop online. They expressed their satisfaction with the mobile phone services and the rehabilitation center's facilities. Mr. Sharma also spoke with the youth participating in the Bastar Olympics about their experiences. Youth who participated in various sports, including kabaddi and tug-of-war, shared their experiences.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that after the Bastar Olympics, a grand Bastar Pandum is being organized, featuring competitions in 12 disciplines. Bastar's tribal culture, cuisine, dance, and traditional arts will be showcased. He urged the rehabilitated youth to participate enthusiastically in the Bastar Pandum, so that Bastar's rich culture can be promoted to the nation and the world. The youth expressed enthusiasm for participating. The Deputy Chief Minister encouraged them to invest their time in the skill training programs conducted at the rehabilitation center, acquire knowledge, and become financially self-reliant. He explained that many young people, who are currently illiterate, have been connected to education under the literacy program and are also being enrolled in literacy tests.

Sharma inquired from the youth about the collection of Bastar's valuable forest produce, such as tamarind, tora, mahua, amla, chironji, and tendu leaves. Emphasizing the scientific collection, processing, and value addition of forest produce, he said that Bastar's forest produce symbolizes Bastar's prosperity. By properly processing and joining government schemes, youth can become economically empowered. The government will provide all possible assistance for this purpose.

On this occasion, ADG Naxal Operation Vivekananda Sinha, Secretary Panchayat Department Bhim Singh, Bastar Commissioner Doman Singh, IG Sundarraj P, Director Ashwini Dewangan, Collector Sambit Mishra, Superintendent of Police Dr Jitendra Yadav, DFO Shri Ranganathan Ramakrishnan, District Panchayat CEO Smt Namrata Choubey and other senior officers were present.

00 Security shield for treatment of economically weaker sections
Raipur. Continuous and effective work is being done to upgrade health services and facilities in the district. Quality health facilities are being made available to common citizens in urban and rural areas through various health schemes of the government. In this sequence, Rajnandgaon district has been ranked first in the state in Ayushman Card and Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card registration under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

More than 100% achievement in Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card 

Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, 100.20 percent achievement has been achieved against the target set for Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card in the district. With this, Rajnandgaon district has become the first district in the state to complete 100 percent registration. Out of 25 thousand 138 eligible senior citizens of 70 years or more age in the district, 25 thousand 88 beneficiaries have been registered.
Leading in the state in Ayushman Card registration too, 
9 lakh 37 thousand 461 beneficiaries have been registered against the target of 9 lakh 52 thousand 546 for Ayushman Card registration in the district under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which is 98.42 percent achievement. With this achievement, Rajnandgaon district is at the first position in the state in Ayushman Card registration too. The Health Department completed the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card registration process by visiting
the homes 
of all eligible beneficiaries in the district. This campaign ensured that no eligible beneficiary was deprived of the benefits of the scheme.
Senior citizens will receive additional free treatment benefits. 

Under the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, there is a provision to provide additional free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to eligible senior citizens in government and private hospitals. Due to this, the elderly are getting better and accessible health services. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
, a security shield for economically weaker families, 
free, cashless and paperless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year is being made available to economically weaker families in public and private hospitals through the Ayushman Card. This scheme is an important health insurance initiative of the government, which ensures access to quality health services for all.

00 Registration of senior citizens and ration card holder families under Ayushman Bharat Scheme is underway.
00 For organizing camps, contact the helpline number 0771-4045849 of the CMHO office.

Raipur. Under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), the process of registering Vaya Vandana cards for all senior citizens aged 70 and above in the district is ongoing. Eligible senior citizens holding Aadhaar cards are being provided free healthcare services up to ₹5 lakh per year through this card.

Along with this, Ayushman cards are also being made for all eligible members of families who have ration cards and whose names are registered in the ration cards. Through the Ayushman card, free treatment facilities can be availed in listed government and private hospitals.
The Health Department has appealed to the citizens that those beneficiaries who have not yet made Vaya Vandana Card or Ayushman Card for themselves or the senior citizens of their families, should immediately go to their nearest government health center or Choice Center and get themselves registered.

Raipur. Aiming to accelerate infrastructure development and housing construction in Chhattisgarh, the Government of Chhattisgarh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO). This strategic partnership is a significant step towards the state's development goals, primarily aimed at securing financing for key housing and infrastructure projects. The ceremony was attended by Finance Department Secretary Mr. Mukesh Kumar Bansal, Special Secretary Mr. Chandan Kumar, Special Secretary Mrs. Sheetal Shashwat Verma, Deputy Secretary Mr. Rishabh Kumar Parashar, and Under Secretary Mr. Chandra Prakash Pandey, along with HUDCO Director of Finance Mr. Daljit Singh Khatri and Regional Head Hitesh Borad. The event took place yesterday at Mahanadi Bhawan, Mantralaya, Nava Raipur, Atal Nagar. This MoU establishes a framework for HUDCO to provide financial assistance and technical support for various development initiatives of the state government.

The primary objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to facilitate financing for major housing projects and infrastructure development in Chhattisgarh. This collaboration will focus on ensuring robust infrastructure financing and the availability of affordable housing. This will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Chhattisgarh.

This partnership underscores the State Government's commitment to modernization and sustainable development, leveraging HUDCO's expertise and financial strength to realize transformative projects. Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise, provides long-term finance for construction of houses for residential purposes or for financing housing and urban development programs in the country.

00 Prime Minister's Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme becomes the path to self-reliance
Raipur. Determined people not only improve their own lives through their determination and hard work, but also become an inspiration for society. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande, a resident of Vaishali Nagar, Rajnandgaon, has proven with his strong determination that with proper planning and hard work, a strong foundation for self-reliance can be laid.

Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Industries Upgradation Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Government of India launched to empower, formalise and promote small entrepreneurs (micro enterprises) in the food processing sector by providing credit-based subsidy (up to 35 per cent, maximum Rs 10 lakh), branding and marketing support, common infrastructure and training to new and existing enterprises to enable them to compete and increase their income under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local.

Under the Prime Minister's Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande took a significant step towards self-employment by starting his own industry. This scheme not only provided him with financial assistance but also provided the necessary guidance for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Economic Strength from Minor Forest Produce-Based Industries
: Considering the vast potential of minor forest produce available in the state, he established a processing industry based on chironji, myrobalan, and baheera. A total loan of ₹550,000 was approved for this industry for machinery and shed construction, of which a grant of ₹213,500 was received under the Prime Minister's Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme.
Women's Self-Help Groups Gain Permanent Employment
Along with establishing the industry, Mr. Deshpande also engaged women from the Sanskardhani Mahila Krishak Abhiruchi Self-Help Group in Kaurinbhatha. This provided the women with a regular income and led them to self-reliance, which also brought positive changes to their families' economic conditions.

Using funds received from the "Increased Production and Value Addition Potential through Modern Machinery"
scheme, he purchased a Chironji decolorizer machine from ITI Mumbai. This machine removes the husk from the Chironji and extracts the kernels, while charcoal is produced from the husks. Additionally, oil is extracted from the Chironji, Harra, and Bahera kernels, and the Harra-Bahera decolorizer machine also performs the task of peeling. A
solar-powered processing unit:
Considering the difficulties of electricity supply in rural and forest areas, Mr. Deshpande has powered his processing unit with a solar plant. The use of solar energy has reduced his electricity bills and ensured continuity in production, significantly reducing costs.

Business expanded to four states, annual income of 4 lakh rupees.
Due to the consistent market demand for Chironji, Harra, and Bahera products, their business has now expanded to Chhattisgarh, as well as Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Odisha. This business generates an annual income of approximately 4 lakh rupees, improving their standard of living.
Integrating Forest Conservation, Livelihood, and Awareness:
This initiative has increased awareness about collection of minor forest produce, plant conservation, and sustainable livelihoods in forest areas. By providing employment to women in self-help groups, they are becoming economically empowered and new employment opportunities are being created locally.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister,
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande said that the Prime Minister's Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme is proving to be extremely effective in promoting self-employment. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai for this scheme.

00 Raipur's IPHL becomes the first NQAS certified laboratory in the country - Chhattisgarh sets national standard
00 Union Health Minister congratulates Chhattisgarh on this historic achievement; Chief Minister Sai expresses gratitude

Reiterates resolve to further strengthen health services in the state

Raipur. Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda has congratulated the Chhattisgarh Government for achieving national achievement in the field of public health services after the Integrated Public Health Laboratory (IPHL) located at District Hospital Raipur received the certification of National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS).

In a letter to Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Shri Nadda noted that Raipur IPHL has become the first laboratory of its kind in the country to receive this prestigious certification. He said that this achievement reflects the state's growing capacity to provide reliable and quality-assured diagnostic services.
The Union Health Minister described this achievement as a testament to the commitment of the state government and the dedication of the health workers at Raipur District Hospital. He said that their efforts have strengthened public confidence in the public health system and set new standards in service delivery.

Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda further stated that the establishment of IPHL is an important component of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-Abhimanyu). This mission is being implemented with the aim of strengthening health surveillance, laboratory networks, and disaster preparedness mechanisms across the country.
He stated that the core objective of this mission is to provide quality-assured, hospital-specific, and disease-specific laboratory diagnostics. This certification awarded to Raipur IPHL confirms that the laboratory has successfully integrated its human resources, state-of-the-art equipment, and advanced infrastructure to achieve national quality standards.

The Union Minister also stated that this achievement sets a national benchmark for other states. He urged the Chhattisgarh government to adopt the Raipur model as a best practice and ensure the expansion of high-quality diagnostic services in other districts and regions of the state.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai expressed his happiness over this achievement and thanked the Central Government. He stated that this achievement symbolizes the state's commitment to strengthening its public health system. Chief Minister Shri Sai assured that the state government will continue to expand quality laboratory and diagnostic services in the districts. He stated that this achievement also reflects Chhattisgarh's efforts towards a technology-enabled and standards-based public health system. This certification reflects institutional maturity and a strengthening culture of quality assurance in public health institutions.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal stated that the NQAS certification received by Raipur IPHL is a historic achievement for Chhattisgarh's entire health system. He stated that this success demonstrates the state's continuous and result-oriented improvements in the areas of standardization of laboratory services, quality assurance, trained human resources, modern equipment, and robust infrastructure. Mr. Jaiswal stated that this certification is not the achievement of a single institution, but the result of the collective efforts of Chhattisgarh's doctors, lab technicians, paramedical staff, and the dedicated team of District Hospital Raipur. He assured that IPHLs will be developed on this model in other districts of the state to ensure timely, accurate, and reliable testing facilities are available to every citizen.
Union Health Minister Mr. J.P. Nadda reiterated that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is committed to providing continued support for the expansion and quality enhancement of public health infrastructure in Chhattisgarh. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai, Chhattisgarh will consolidate its position among the leading states in the country in the field of public health transformation.

Raipur. By promoting solar energy through the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, the country is steadily moving towards energy self-sufficiency. This scheme not only provides relief to ordinary citizens from electricity bills but also strengthens environmental protection. Under the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, Mrs. Pratima Chandrakar, President of the District Panchayat, Rajnandgaon, installed a 3-kilowatt solar panel at her residence in Parrikala village. After installing the solar panel, she is reaping direct and long-term benefits from the scheme.
Beneficiaries receive double subsidy, and the electricity is completely eco-friendly.

Mrs. Pratima Chandrakar reported that under the scheme, she received a subsidy of ₹78,000 from the Central Government and ₹30,000 from the State Government, a total of ₹1,08,000, directly into her bank account for a 3-kilowatt solar panel. This significantly reduced the cost of installing the solar panels. She added that the installation of solar panels has reduced her electricity bill to zero, significantly reducing household expenses. Solar power is completely eco-friendly and a safe and sustainable option for the future.

Encouragement to natural energy based power generation

Mrs. Chandrakar said that the Prime Minister's Solar Power Free Electricity Scheme is not only empowering citizens economically, but also encouraging natural energy-based power generation, thereby strengthening environmental protection. She expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai for this scheme and appealed to the citizens of the district to take advantage of this scheme in large numbers, adopt solar energy, and participate in building an energy-reliant India.

Government is committed to ensure all-round development of Bastar region: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai*

*Chief Minister Shri Sai had a cordial meeting with the Panchayat representatives of Sukma district*

Raipur, January 6, 2026/Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai was today paid a courtesy visit to the Mahanadi Bhawan, Mantralaya, Raipur, by public representatives from remote village panchayats of Sukma district, who were visiting the capital under the Hamar Chhattisgarh Jan Parivahan Yojana. Chief Minister Shri Sai held cordial conversations with the panchayat representatives and inquired about their well-being.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that ensuring the all-round development of the Bastar region is a top priority for the state government. He said that the state government is continuously working to provide basic amenities such as education, health, roads, electricity, and drinking water to every village in Bastar.

During discussions with public representatives, he stated that the state government is also rapidly carrying out development work in the Bastar region. The Chief Minister added that securityforces camps are being established in remote areas, providing both security and speed to development work.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that government ration shops have now been established in most villages and the benefits of various public welfare schemes are effectively reaching the common citizens. He said that in the near future, the Bastar region will be completely Naxal-free.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is continuously striving towards the goal of a self-reliant Bastar. To this end, public representatives from the Bastar region are being provided opportunities to visit the capital, so that they can be inspired by the development work here and promote all-round development in their areas as well.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma and concerned officials were present on this occasion.

It is noteworthy that under the Hamar Chhattisgarh Jan Parikrama Yojana, approximately 100 Panchayat representatives from various remote Gram Panchayats of Sukma district have come on a two-day tour to the capital Raipur. During the tour, the representatives were taken to important sites such as the Mantralaya, Jungle Safari, Tribal Museum, Railway Station, Airport, and Shopping Mall.

Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that Swami Vivekananda, at a young age, enhanced the nation's prestige by introducing the entire world to India's eternal culture, spirituality, and philosophy. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai was addressing the youth at the send-off ceremony held this evening at the Chief Minister's residence in Raipur, the capital. The event was organized by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12th, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, and the National Youth Festival is organized. This festival is a powerful symbol of India's youthful energy, creativity, and spirit of nation-building.

He said that it is a great privilege for the people of Chhattisgarh that Swami Vivekananda spent most of his time in Raipur. The memories of sacred sites like Budha Talab and Day Bhavan remain a source of inspiration for the youth even today.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that 75 talented youth have been selected to represent Chhattisgarh at this year's National Youth Festival, a matter of pride for the entire state. These include 45 from the Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue, 1 from the Design for India track, and 29 participants from cultural tracks. He stated that representing Chhattisgarh's youth at the National Youth Festival is a golden opportunity to showcase India's youth power, creativity, leadership capabilities, and commitment to a developed India. He stated that Chhattisgarh's youth will showcase Chhattisgarh's rich culture, folk dances, folk songs, and youth leadership on the national stage. This will spread the fragrance of Chhattisgarh's soil throughout the country and bring pride to the state. Chief Minister Shri Sai congratulated and wished all the selected participants at the national level.

It is noteworthy that the youth of Chhattisgarh will arrive in New Delhi on January 9th and meet and exchange ideas with young artists and young leaders from various parts of the country. On January 11th, they will meet ISRO's Gaganyaatr Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and draw inspiration from his space experiences. Additionally, on January 12th, on National Youth Day, the illustrious Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will address the country's young participants.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that youth power is the identity of the nation and youth power is the national strength. Citing Swami Vivekananda's famous message – "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached," he urged the youth to draw inspiration from it.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that wherever there is a youth group, there is a natural flow of energy. Our illustrious Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's dream is that the country's young leaders should lead in all fields. Our government has successfully organized the Youth Festival with excellent arrangements, from the block level to the state level. He also praised the departmental officials for this. Shri Sao also congratulated and wished all the selected participants.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai presented costume kits to the selected participants from the main stage. Some participants also shared their experiences.

On this occasion, Youth Commission Chairman Shri Vishwavijay Singh Tomar, Secretary of Sports and Youth Welfare Department Shri Yashwant Kumar along with other departmental officers and participants were present in large numbers.

Raipur : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today held a high-level review meeting regarding the development of Bilaspur Municipal Corporation and surrounding areas at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan. In the meeting, detailed discussions were held on ongoing and proposed development works in Bilaspur city and its outskirts, expansion of basic amenities and progress of projects under construction. The Chief Minister said that the judicial capital Bilaspur is the second largest city in the state and keeping in mind the increasing urbanization, balanced, inclusive and planned development is necessary here.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Chhattisgarh is rapidly progressing towards development, and accordingly, urban infrastructure will be strengthened. He directed officials to ensure quality and timely completion of all ongoing projects. He specifically directed them to ensure clean and regular drinking water supply and to work seriously on related projects. The Chief Minister urged that development plans should be formulated with Bilaspur as a priority in terms of industry and tourism. Shri Sai stated that in the last two years, the government has consistently approved new development projects. The upcoming budget will also be crucial, and it will help realize the vision of a "developed Chhattisgarh." He emphasized that coordination between departments will yield better results, and that no shortages will be allowed in the development of both villages and cities.

The meeting discussed issues related to roads, bridges, drinking water, drainage, pollution-free cities, transportation, education, health, sports and youth welfare, housing, e-bus services, air transport, Transport Nagar, industry and trade, tourism, and the Arpa Special Area Development Project (Arpa SADA), and reached consensus on various topics. It was also decided to expedite the process of issuing AS for the new SIMS hospital building and to operate the super-specialty hospital on a PPP mode. Public representatives expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for the transfer of funds to the Defense Ministry for the expansion of Bilaspur Airport. Further instructions were given to expedite other airport development works and the night landing facility. It was agreed that the CSIDC would undertake the development of Transport Nagar Silphari and submit an application for land. It was also decided to expedite the land acquisition process for the Uslapur Railway Overbridge and include it in the upcoming budget.

Additionally, instructions were given to construct flyover bridges from Rajiv Gandhi Chowk, Nehru Chowk, Mahamaya Chowk (Y-shaped) to Ratanpur Road in Bilaspur at a cost of 305 crore rupees. A flyover from CMD Chowk-Imlipara Road-Tagore Chowk-Jagmal Chowk at the Old Bus Stand Chowk was constructed at a cost of 115 crore rupees. The preparation of a DPR for the construction of the Tarbahar four-lane railway overbridge at a cost of 320 crore rupees to connect the FCI godown Vyapar Vihar area with the Sirgitti-Mahmand bypass was also approved. Similarly, to ease the city's traffic congestion, the Public Works Department agreed to submit a proposal, based on NHAI's approval, for the construction of a four-lane Bilaspur Ring Road at a cost of 950 crore rupees. 328 crore rupees were agreed for the Paraghat Diversion Scheme at the Kharang Reservoir, 252 crore rupees for the STP and drainage works of the Arpa River in the Municipal Corporation area, and 150 crore rupees from the Disaster Management Fund to address the waterlogging problem in Bilaspur city. It was decided to discuss with Tata Memorial Hospital for Cancer Hospital in Bilaspur, construction of underpass in front of Kanan Pendari, construction of Koni to Birkona-Khamtarai-Bahatrai road, preparation of DPR for 24×7 water supply scheme and to discuss the previous plans and take it forward by holding a meeting of TNCP and district officials for the development of Arpa Sada area.

Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary, MLA Shri Amar Agarwal, MLA Shri Sushant Shukla, MLA Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, Mayor Smt. Pooja Vidhani, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh and secretaries and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting.

The state government has begun preparations for the third budget for the financial year 2026-27. In this context, an important review meeting regarding the Home Department's budget was held on Monday at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma.

The meeting was attended by the heads of the departments of Police, Police Housing Corporation, City Army and SDRF, Jail and Correctional Services, Public Prosecution, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Sainik Welfare, Estate Directorate, Chhattisgarh State Garage, Medico-Legal Institute and Chhattisgarh State Police Accountability Authority units affiliated to the Home Department. The budget grant proposals received from all the departments were discussed point by point and in detail.

While reviewing the proposals, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sharma stated that a balance between frugality and priorities is essential in budget formulation. He directed that adequate and timely provisions be made for essential items such as strengthening law and order, enhancing the capacity of the police force, housing and infrastructure, disaster management, modernization of forensic facilities, prison reforms, and effective prosecution, while controlling unnecessary expenditures.

He also underlined that budget proposals should be results-oriented and demonstrate visible improvements in public safety, speedy justice, and the quality of service delivery. Directing special attention to modern technology, training, equipment upgrades, and human resource development, the Deputy Chief Minister urged all departments to include clear goals, expected outcomes, and cost-benefit analysis in their proposals.

In the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sharma, while emphasizing on coordination and timeliness, said that the budget of the Home Department will play a decisive role in strengthening the law and order, disaster preparedness and judicial system of the state. All the units were directed to submit revised and strengthened proposals within the stipulated time limit, so that the budget can be finalized. ACS Mr. Manoj Pingua, DGP Mr. Arun Kumar Gautam, DG Jail Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Secretary Mr. Himshikhar Gupta, Secretary Mr. Ramesh Sharma, Secretary Neha Champawat, Additional Director General of Police Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Manish Sharma, Director Fire Brigade Mr. Chandra Mohan Singh and other officers were present in this meeting.

Raipur . The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is emerging as a powerful vehicle for self-employment and self-reliance in rural areas. A powerful example of this scheme is Mr. Harishankar Patel, a resident of Kalmi village in the Raigarh development block. He has not only strengthened his financial situation by taking advantage of the government's scheme, but has also established himself as a successful and self-reliant fish farmer in the field of fish farming. Mr. Harishankar Patel, who has been involved in fish farming for nearly five years, took advantage of the "Construction of Ponds on Own Land" scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He began scientific fish farming by constructing a pond on his private land, measuring 0.607 hectares. As a fish farmer from the general category, he received a 40 percent subsidy under the scheme, which significantly assisted in pond construction and initial arrangements.

The Fisheries Department provided him with fish seeds of improved species such as Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal at a 50 percent subsidy. Additionally, he also stocked Pangas and Rupchanda fish seeds using his own resources, diversifying his production and creating new income opportunities. Mr. Patel fishes between November and January each year.

The fish he produces, Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal, sell for ₹160 to ₹180 per kilogram, Rupchanda for ₹130 per kilogram, and Pangas for ₹110 per kilogram. Due to improved management, timely seed collection, and scientific practices, his pond consistently yields excellent production. Currently, Mr. Harishankar Patel is producing approximately 60 to 70 quintals of fish annually, earning him a net profit of ₹250,000 to ₹300,000 annually. This income is not only strengthening his family's financial situation but also leading him towards a self-reliant life. As a successful beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Harishankar Patel has become an inspiration for other fish farmers. His success demonstrates that if government schemes are leveraged in the right direction and in a scientific manner, a respectable income and sustainable employment can be achieved even while living in rural areas.

Raipur . The Chhattisgarh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has taken strict action against the promoter of the Raipur-based 'Wallfort Elencia' project, imposing a fine of Rs 10 lakh under the Chhattisgarh Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

During the hearing of the case, it was found that the development work in the project was not carried out in accordance with the layout approved by the Town and Country Planning Department (T&CP). The sewage treatment plant (STP) was constructed outside the approved layout, which is a clear violation of Section 14(1) of the RERA Act. According to that section, the development of any real estate project must be done in accordance with the drawings, layout, and specifications approved by the competent authority.

The Authority also noted that the STP is currently being used by the project's allottees. In order to avoid affecting the interests of the allottees and public use, no instructions have been issued at this stage regarding the demolition or reconstruction of the STP.

However, considering this deviation from the approved layout as a serious violation, the authority has held the promoter liable and imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh for violation of Section 14(1) of the RERA Act.Chhattisgarh RERA has again clarified that any change made in the approved layout or plans without prior approval of the competent authority falls in the category of serious violation and strict action will be taken in such cases.