Raipur .With the beginning of the New Year 2026, the state of Chhattisgarh has achieved a major milestone in the field of rural infrastructure. Under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), administrative approval has been granted for the construction of 774 rural roads in the state at a cost of ₹2,225 crore. This approval was obtained through the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and the special efforts of Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Vijay Sharma.
Under the scheme, 774 roads with a total length of 2,427 kilometers will be constructed in 2025-26, connecting 781 rural settlements in the state with all-weather road connectivity. This will facilitate transportation for villagers in remote and inaccessible areas previously deprived of road connectivity and significantly expand opportunities for education, health, agriculture, business, and employment.
In accordance with PMGSY-IV guidelines, eligible settlements have been selected in priority order based on the 2011 Census. In which, special priority has been given to Scheduled Tribe-dominated villages falling under the Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. Proposals were prepared from all the districts of the state and sent to the Government of India, which were approved by the Ministry of Rural Development, New Delhi.
Under PMGSY-IV, a total of 774 roads have been approved in 24 districts of the state. Of these, the highest number of 87 roads will be built in Bastar district. Similarly, 84 roads have been approved in Korea, 77 in Jashpur, 76 in Surajpur, 58 in Balrampur, 55 in Korba, 48 in Kawardha, 44 each in Mahasamund and Bijapur, 41 in Kanker, 34 in Kondagaon, 27 in Bilaspur, 26 in Surguja, 16 in Sukma, 14 in Raigarh, 12 in Dantewada, 9 in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, 7 in Gariaband, 6 in Balod, 5 in Rajnandgaon, 6 in Mungeli, and 2 each in Bemetara and Dhamtari. The construction of these roads will give a new impetus to social and economic activities in rural areas. Farmers will have ease in transporting agricultural produce, students will have easy access to schools, and the rural population will benefit from other basic facilities including health services. It is noteworthy that in the previous phases of PMGSY, construction of 8316 roads covering more than 40 thousand kilometers has been completed so far. Furthermore, to connect the Special Backward Tribes with the mainstream, 600 kilometers of roads have been constructed in the last two years, connecting 138 settlements of Special Backward Tribes.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that through the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the state government aims to connect remote villages with the mainstream. Roads are the backbone of development and their construction will strengthen prosperity and self-reliance in villages. He informed that construction of the approved roads will begin as soon as possible.
Raipur.A major organizational change has been made within the Tribal Congress organization. On the instructions of National President Dr. Vikrant Bhuria and the recommendation of Chhattisgarh State President Janak Dhruv, Kuldeep Kumar Dhruv has been appointed General Secretary in-charge of the Chhattisgarh Tribal Congress.
According to party sources, Kuldeep Kumar Dhruv's appointment will strengthen the Tribal Congress's organizational structure in the state. The leadership has entrusted him with this responsibility due to his organizational experience and activism.
Raipur .The schedule for the election of the executive committee of Raipur Press Club has been announced. As per the issued instructions, elections will be held for various posts of Press Club Raipur. This election includes the posts of President (01), Vice President (01), General Secretary (01), Joint Secretary (02) and Treasurer (01).
Under the election schedule, the process of receiving and submitting nomination papers will be held from January 6 to January 8, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm in Room No. A-09 of Collectorate Complex, Raipur. Scrutiny of nomination papers and publication of the list of valid nomination papers will be done on 9th January 2026 at 11 am in Room K-09, Collectorate Complex.Withdrawal of nomination papers will take place from 11 am to 3 pm on January 10, 2026. The final list of contesting candidates will be published after 3 pm on the same day.
Voting will take place at the Press Club, Raipur, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on January 13, 2026. Counting of votes will also take place on the same day at the Press Club premises, immediately after the voting is over.
Nomination papers can be obtained from Room No. A-09 of the Collectorate Complex, Raipur. The voter list fee is set at ₹300. The nomination fee for the post of President is ₹5,000 and for other positions, ₹2,000.
Raipur -Security forces have achieved a major success in the anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel killed 12 Naxalites during a search operation in the Kistaram police station area. The encounter took place in the dense forests of Sukma, where the operation was being conducted based on intelligence about the presence of Naxalites.
According to reports, DRG personnel were conducting a search operation in the Kistaram area. Meanwhile, Naxalites, who were lying in ambush, opened fire on the security forces. The soldiers took charge and retaliated. After a fierce encounter that lasted several hours, the security forces killed 12 Naxalites. Following the encounter, an intensive search operation was launched in the entire area.
Security forces recovered a large quantity of weapons and ammunition from the scene, including AK-47s and INSAS rifles, along with other Naxalite material. Officials say that many of the killed Naxalites are believed to be hardcore cadres, who are likely to be carrying bounties.
Following the incident, additional forces have been deployed to the area, and a search operation is underway in the surrounding forests. The state police and administration have hailed this action as a major achievement against Naxalism. Officials say the campaign will be intensified in the coming days in Naxal-affected areas to pave the way for peace and development in the region.
A living example of charity and dedication in folk tradition
Raipur On the occasion of Cherchera Tihar, which holds a special place in the rich folk-cultural traditions of Chhattisgarh, State Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma went from door to door in the traditional way in village Tarpongi of Dharsiwa development block and accepted food donations. On this occasion, an atmosphere of enthusiasm, affinity and folk joy was seen in the village.
Minister Verma, while carrying out the tradition of Cherchera, met the villagers cordially and accepted food donations. He said that Cherchera Tihar is a festival linked to the soul of Chhattisgarh, which strengthens the spirit of equality, cooperation and charity in the society. This folk festival connects us to our roots and gives the message of social harmony.
Minister Verma said that Cherchera is not just a festival of food collection, but a celebration of folk culture, brotherhood, and human sensibilities. Chhattisgarh's folk traditions are our identity, and preserving them is our responsibility. Such festivals unite society and introduce new generations to our cultural heritage.
On this occasion, the villagers welcomed the minister with traditional enthusiasm. The village was filled with the joy of Cherchera festival. Children, youth, and the elderly participated enthusiastically in this folk festival. Public representatives and a large number of villagers were present at the event.
It is worth noting that Chherchhera is a popular traditional folk festival of Chhattisgarh, celebrated in the month of Paush (December-January) after the paddy harvest. This festival is deeply rooted in the state's agricultural culture. After the harvest, farmers express their gratitude to God and society.
Cherchera is essentially a festival of charity, cooperation, and mutual brotherhood. On this day, village children, youth, and elders form groups and go door to door, singing folk songs and asking for food or donations. Upon reaching the door, they sing "Chherchera Cherchera, Mai Kothi Ke Dhan La Hera..." The message is that the Mother Goddess has abundant grain in her storehouse; please donate a little of it. The collected food is used for community feasts, aid to the needy, and social work. This festival enhances social sensitivity by erasing differences between rich and poor, caste, and religion, and connects the new generation to a shared culture and folk traditions. Cherchera Tihar once again offered a vibrant glimpse of Chhattisgarh's folk traditions, sending a powerful message of preserving cultural heritage.
Regular medical services will reach remote villages of the district due to the initiative of Chief Minister Sai.
Jashpurnagar Under the Prime Minister's Tribal Tribal Justice Campaign "PM-Janman", the Bagicha development block of Jashpur district has received a state-of-the-art Mobile Medical Unit (MMU). This vehicle is part of a convoy of 57 Mobile Medical Units flagged off by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai in Nava Raipur for the entire state, aimed at providing health services to particularly vulnerable tribal groups living in remote and dense forest areas.
Chief Minister Sai stated that families living in hilly and inaccessible areas will no longer have to travel to distant hospitals for treatment and testing. Mobile medical units will now provide services directly to villages and settlements. Under this scheme, regular health services will be provided to more than 2,100 villages and settlements in 18 districts of the state, directly benefiting more than two lakh PVTG residents. This facility is considered a boon for remote development blocks like Bagicha in Jashpur district.
The MMU vehicle received by Bagicha will be staffed by a doctor, nurse, lab technician, pharmacist, and local health volunteers. This mobile unit will provide 25 types of diagnostic facilities and 106 types of medicines free of charge. Health camps will be organized in villages, and serious patients will be referred to nearby health centers as needed. This will help in the timely identification and prevention of diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, anemia, and malnutrition. This scheme will provide a solid foundation for the all-round participation and health security of tribal communities. With the launch of this MMU vehicle in Bagicha development block of Jashpur district, families living in remote forest areas will no longer have to travel to the headquarters for health care; treatment will be delivered directly to their doorsteps.
The center will become a center of empowerment for rural women, the identity of the women of Jashpur has changed due to the schemes of the Sai government...
JashpurnagarUnder the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, rural women in Jashpur district are emerging as powerful examples of self-reliance. Women who once lived with limited resources are now economically, socially, and communally strong and playing a pivotal role in their families and society. Public welfare schemes like the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Mahtari Sadan, and e-rickshaw distribution have played a significant role in this. So far, an amount of ₹448 crore has been directly transferred to the accounts of over two lakh women in the district under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. This financial support has not only strengthened women's income but has also significantly increased their self-confidence and decision-making abilities. Many women are playing an active role in increasing their family income by engaging in self-employment.
"Mahtari Sadan" became a center for the organization and training of women:
The Mahatari Sadan has emerged as a significant initiative towards the empowerment of rural women. The State government has approved 18 Mahatari Sadan buildings in Jashpur district, providing them with a safe, comfortable, and organized platform. Administrative approval of ₹29 lakh has been granted for each building. These buildings, constructed at a total cost of ₹5.22 crore, will serve as key centers for training, meetings, skill development, and economic activities for women's self-help groups. In these Mahatari Sadans, women are being trained in activities such as sewing, weaving, handicrafts, mushroom production, home-based industries, packaging, and marketing. This is strengthening collective decision-making, leadership qualities, and social cohesion among women.
These buildings are being constructed in Kurrog and Rangele of Bagicha development block of the district, Ludeg, Bagbahar and Surangpani of Pathalgaon, Sonkari and Manora of Manora, Lokhandi and Ara of Jashpur, Dhodibahar, Keradih and Narayanpur of Kunkuri, Bagiya, Dokra and Bataikala of Kansabel, and Kerasai, Pandripani and Garighat Panchayats of Farsabahar.
The story of changed life as told by women:
Savitri Bhagat of Kurrog (Bagichha) says that earlier one had to go far away for training, but now facilities will be available in the village itself. Rajni Pankra of Sonkaryari (Manora) says that Mahatari Sadan is not just a building for women, but the foundation of empowerment.
Women got new self-respect due to distribution of e-rickshaws:
In an effort to empower women with self-reliance, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai presented e-rickshaws to women from 12 self-help groups on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. Today, these women are not only earning a regular income by driving e-rickshaws, but are also providing accessible transportation in rural areas.
Rajkumari Paikra of Tapkara says that the e-rickshaw has strengthened the financial condition of the family. Sangeeta Devi of Cherdand says that now she is working with confidence.
A new story of women empowerment in rural society:
Together, schemes like Mahatari Sadan and e-rickshaws are writing a new story of women's empowerment in Jashpur district. Today, women are emerging as economically capable, socially respected, and self-reliant. These government initiatives are proving to be an inspiration not only for current generations but also for future generations.
Jashpurnagar .Collector Rohit Vyas has approved a financial assistance grant of Rs 4 lakh under RBC 6-4 to the affected family in a case of loss of life due to natural disaster. Late Antonis Kujur, a resident of village Kudukela under Kunkuri tehsil, died on July 14, 2025 due to lightning. The financial assistance grant amount of Rs 4 lakh has been approved for the deceased's next of kin, his wife Julia.
Jashpurnagar .A heartfelt and emotional farewell ceremony was organized in the Collectorate office premises on the retirement of Assistant Grade-2 Tirtharam Sahu, posted at the Collectorate office in Jashpur. Assistant Collector Aniket Ashok, Additional Collector Pradeep Sahu, SDM Vishwasrao Maske, along with all the officers and employees of the Collectorate office were present on this occasion. Everyone gave a respectful farewell to their dear colleague by presenting him with a bouquet of flowers, a shawl, a coconut and a garland.
The officers and staff present at the ceremony recalled Sahu's long service, saying that he always demonstrated honesty, punctuality, and dedication in the discharge of his duties. From routine administrative tasks to complex file management, his work ethic was exemplary. His calm demeanor, cooperative approach, and willingness to assist every employee made him a beloved figure.
On this occasion, Additional Collector Pradeep Sahu said that Tirtharam Sahu was not just an employee but an integral part of the office's work culture. His experience and guidance provided many newly appointed employees with the opportunity to learn. Assistant Collector Aniket Ashok said that his retirement will leave the Collectorate family with the loss of an experienced mentor. During the farewell ceremony, Tirtharam Sahu became emotional and expressed his gratitude to all the officers and colleagues, saying that the Collectorate office was not just a workplace for him, but a family. Sharing memories of his service, he said that it was only with everyone's support that he was able to successfully discharge his responsibilities. On this occasion, an atmosphere of belonging, respect, and gratitude pervaded the entire Collectorate campus. With the retirement of Tirtharam Sahu, a dedicated chapter of administrative service has come to an end, one that the office family will always remember with pride.
00 Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sai and Tourism Minister Agarwal, the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority accelerated the nomination process. 00 Union Tourism and Culture Minister Shekhawat's visit to Sirpur strengthened the state government's claim.
Raipur.Chhattisgarh's ancient gem, Sirpur, is poised to enter the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Sirpur Special Area Development Authority, led by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agarwal, has accelerated the nomination process. A visit by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has made it inevitable at the federal level. Final approval is highly likely in the new year, granting the state its first World Heritage Site. Renowned as a multi-religious urban center since the sixth century, Sirpur has witnessed the coexistence of Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, and Shaiva-Vaishnava traditions. Over 125 excavated sites, including the Lakshmana Temple, Buddhist Viharas, ancient residential complexes, markets, and river ghats, have been jointly documented by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Archaeology Department. The Archaeological Survey of India and state tourism agencies have completed a detailed inspection of Sirpur to ensure it meets the international standards of security, presentation, and visitor management required for the UNESCO tag. This report has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Culture to strengthen the proposal, including the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority's report by November 2025.
On January 1, 2026, Mr. Shekhawat visited Sirpur with Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma and Tourism Minister Mr. Rajesh Agarwal. He inspected the Laxman Temple, Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar, Tivardev Vihar, Tunnel Tila, and Haat Bazaar and directed that the original structure be preserved and connectivity be enhanced. Mr. Shekhawat stated that efforts are underway to include Sirpur in the UNESCO World Heritage List. He further stated that Sirpur is a historic city, once the capital of the state. Visiting Sirpur, witnessing its heritage, understanding its development journey over a thousand years, and experiencing its glorious past certainly creates a thrill in the mind and body. It is a matter of immense privilege to have had the opportunity to visit all this, to witness and understand the history and glory of our ancestors. This site, registered by the Archaeological Survey of India, is one of the 140 centrally protected monuments in the country. The Government of India and the State Government are working together to preserve and maintain the heritage here. Given the importance of this region and its location, there is immense potential for tourism development here. As the Tourism Minister, I can say that if this area is provided with proper connectivity and the basic tourism facilities are developed, Chhattisgarh will undoubtedly achieve a new tourism destination in the future. Chhattisgarh is being recognized as a state with a rich historical heritage and natural resources. Sirpur is crucial for Chhattisgarh to become a hub of tourism activities in the future. This visit by the Union Tourism Minister strengthens the state government's report, as Sirpur is one of the 140 protected monuments.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that Sirpur is the cultural soul of Chhattisgarh. UNESCO recognition will provide global recognition, boost tourism, and create thousands of jobs for local youth. On his instructions, the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India, prepared a master plan for 125 excavation sites. This includes major sites including the Laxman Temple, Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar, Tivardev Vihar, Surung Tila, and Gandeshwar Temple. The November 2025 report has reached the Union Ministry, and the final review took place in December.
Tourism Minister Mr. Rajesh Agarwal stated that Sirpur will be developed into a global tourism hub. Battery e-carts, 3D interpretation centers, homestay clusters, heritage shuttles, and guided walks are being launched. Four heritage circuits will connect Buddhist monasteries to the Laxman Temple. Work is underway on road upgrades, digital signage, cleanliness, and circuit management. Emphasis will be placed on guide training, handicraft markets, and eco-friendly stays for local benefit.
It is noteworthy that Sirpur was the capital of South Kosala. The Lakshmana Temple is Sirpur's most famous and oldest Hindu temple, built in the 6th-7th century. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is primarily constructed of red bricks. Queen Vasatadevi built it in memory of her husband, King Harshagupta. It is also considered a symbol of a love story. Tivaradeva Vihara is an ancient Buddhist monastery, dated to the 7th-8th century. It was built largely of bricks, and its remains have been excavated. This monastery, associated with the Buddhist sect, was used by followers of Buddha in Sirpur for meditation, education, and religious practices. Ananda Prabhu Kuti Vihara is a major Buddhist site in Sirpur, founded by the monk Ananda Prabhu. This monastery is a large Buddhist monastery with 14 rooms, with a main entrance and beautifully carved pillars. A large statue of Buddha and other Buddhist statues are found here. Tunnel Tila is a unique archaeological site in Sirpur, containing the remains of an ancient temple. This 7th-century temple has five sanctums, each containing a Shivalinga and a Ganesha image, highlighting the diversity of this religious site.
It is a rare blend of Hindu-Buddhist-Jain architecture, comparable to Angkor Wat or Bodh Gaya. Chhattisgarh's entry into India's 44 World Heritage Sites in the combined cultural-natural category will be through Sirpur. The UNESCO tag is expected to generate global funding, direct and indirect employment opportunities, and tourism revenues of over 5 billion rupees. It is noteworthy that Sirpur, originally known as Shripur/Shripura, is an ancient city on the banks of the Mahanadi River, with a history spanning from the 5th to the 12th centuries. It has been a major political, religious, and cultural center of South Kosala, and it boasts a rare collection of pilgrimage sites, monasteries, temples, and viharas belonging to all three religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Excavations have uncovered the remains of 22 Shiva temples, 5 Vishnu temples, 10 Buddhist viharas, and 3 Jain viharas.
Raipur.Governor Ramen Deka has given instructions to prioritize works related to livelihood, skill development and social security in the adopted villages. Governor Mr. Deka today held a meeting with the officials of the Social Welfare Department, State Rural Livelihood Mission and Handloom Department and reviewed the progress of schemes in the adopted villages. It is noteworthy that the Governor has adopted village Sonpuri of Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district, village Temri of Bemetara district and village Bijli of Gariaband district. Initiatives have been taken to ensure effective implementation of various welfare schemes of the government in these villages and to promote inclusive development.
Governor Deka, while emphasizing on skill development under the Livelihood Mission, said that training should be given as per local needs after conducting a detailed survey in the adopted villages. The disabled should be provided with necessary assistive devices, eligible beneficiaries should be provided with pension and other social security benefits. He gave instructions to connect women with self-help groups and increase their participation in livelihood activities. The Governor clearly said that there should be no compromise on quality for skill development. He visited the adopted villages and instructed the officials to ensure necessary action at the ground level. Director of Social Welfare Department, Mrs. Roktima Yadav, Director of Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, Ashwani Devangan and other officials were present in the meeting.
CG News: Congress spokesperson Vikas Tiwari's statements on the Jheeram Valley incident proved costly. The state Congress has taken strict action against him, and he has been removed from his post as PCC spokesperson.
Congress removes Vikas Tiwari from the post of spokesperson
In fact, Vikas Tiwari recently wrote to the judicial inquiry commission formed to investigate the Jhiram Valley Naxal incident, demanding narco-tests of BJP and Congress leaders. The party considered this move indiscipline. The media publicizing the names of senior leaders was also considered a violation of party lines.
Action taken on the instructions of Deepak Baij
On the instructions of state president Deepak Baij, the party has also issued a notice to Vikas Tiwari, demanding a written explanation within three days. According to the party, the BJP government bears responsibility for the Jheeram Valley incident, and Congress is working with the victim's family and the people of the state to expose it.
Baikunthpur. A major action by the administration has come to light. The SDM raided two rice mills, including the rice mill owned by District Panchayat President Mohit Paikra. During the physical verification, a significant shortage of paddy and illegal storage was uncovered. According to reports, approximately 500 quintals of paddy from the previous year were found missing during the verification at Mohit's rice mill.
Additionally, the mill's electricity bill payment for two months was found pending, which officials have objected to. During the raid, the administration discovered a total of 1,235 quintals of paddy missing. 384 sacks of illegal paddy were also seized. This action caused panic among the mill operators.
It is worth noting that Mohit Paikra is currently the District Panchayat President. Following administrative action, the matter has become a topic of discussion in the district. Officials say that further action will be taken as per the rules after the investigation is complete.
CG Weather Update: Amidst the severe cold in Chhattisgarh, the weather is about to change once again. The Meteorological Department has predicted rain in some districts of the state in the coming two days.
The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, Surguja, Jashpur, and Balrampur-Ramanujganj districts of Chhattisgarh. This could increase the cold in these areas.
In other districts of the state, the minimum temperature may increase by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the next 48 hours. However, after this, the minimum temperature may again drop by 2 to 3 degrees.
Mercury dropped to 5 degrees in Ambikapur. Talking about yesterday's weather, cold wave swept through one or two parts of Durg division. During this, the lowest minimum temperature of 5.4 degrees Celsius was recorded in Ambikapur. While the highest maximum temperature of 29.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in Jagdalpur. Talking about the minimum temperature of other cities of the state, 8.2 degrees in Durg, 8.2 degrees in Korea, 9 degrees in Pendra, 9 degrees in Raipur, 9.5 degrees in Rajnandgaon, 9.6 in Dantewada and 10.8 degrees Celsius in Bilaspur were recorded
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai today performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bhoramdev Corridor Development Project during a grand ceremony held at the famous Bhoramdev Dham in Kabirdham district. On this occasion, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the people of the state for the New Year 2026, saying that it is a great privilege for Chhattisgarh to begin the new year with such a historic and visionary undertaking.
Bhoramdev Corridor will be developed at a cost of Rs 146 crore.
Chief Minister Sai said this day is a proud one for Chhattisgarh. Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, the Bhoramdev Corridor Development Project will be developed at a cost of approximately ₹146 crore. This project, modeled after the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, will give Bhoramdev Dham national and international recognition.
He said that the new year could not have started better than this and he congratulated all the people of Chhattisgarh for this historic project.
Chhattisgarh's ancient heritage will get a new identity
According to CG News, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this is a major and important step towards recognising Bhoramdev's importance at the national level. He expressed his gratitude to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for this initiative.
Bhoramdev is the "Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh".
Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the Bhoramdev Temple, the Chief Minister said that this temple, located amidst dense forest, is known as the "Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh." It is not just a religious site, but a living symbol of thousands of years of spiritual practice, exquisite architecture, and rich cultural consciousness.
He said that Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Bhoramadeva, where Shaiva philosophy, folk faith and tribal traditions come together to present a unique example of unity in diversity of Indian culture.
The Kanwar Yatra of Sawan is also a special tradition.
Chief Minister Sai said that the Kanwar Yatra held in the month of Sawan is an important tradition of Bhoramdev and he himself has had the privilege of welcoming the Kanwariyas many times.
9th Rada Auto Expo to be held from January 20 to February 5, 2026
Raipur—The Raipur Automobile Dealers Association (RADA) has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Chhattisgarh government for providing a special 50 percent discount on road tax (RTO tax) on vehicles during the RADA Auto Expo 2026. RADA has described this decision as historic and extremely beneficial for both the automobile industry and consumers. In this regard, RADA has officially announced the highly anticipated 9th RADA Auto Expo 2026, which will be held from January 20 to February 5, 2026. RADA President Mr. Ravindra Bhasin commended the government's decision, saying, "We are deeply grateful to Chief Minister Mr. Vishnudev Sai, Finance Minister Mr. O.P. Choudhary, and Cabinet Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap. This 50 percent discount on road tax during the RADA Auto Expo will not only give new impetus to the automobile sector but will also make vehicle purchases more accessible to the general public." Senior RADA officials Kailash Khemani, Vivek Agarwal and Mukesh Singhania said that this auto expo will boost economic activities in the state. Meanwhile, former RADA presidents Amar Parwani, Manish Raj Singhania, Anil Agarwal, Jayesh Pithaliya, Shashank Shah and Vivek Garg expressed confidence that the records set in the last auto expo – where more than 29,000 vehicles were sold and GST revenue of more than Rs 800 crore was received – will definitely be broken this time. They said that 50 percent road tax discount will prove to be the biggest attraction for customers.
The 9th Rada Auto Expo-2026 will bring many features like-
** Event period- 20 January to 5 February 2026
** Special Benefits - 50% Road Tax Concession by Chhattisgarh Government (Expo Period Only)
**Exhibition: Latest vehicles and electric vehicles from leading automobile companies from India and abroad
Raipur /Union Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today at the Chief Minister's residence in Sector-24, Nava Raipur. During the meeting, cordial and constructive discussions were held on issues related to tourism development in Chhattisgarh, conservation and strengthening of cultural heritage. Chief Minister Shri Sai extended a warm welcome to Union Minister Shri Shekhawat and presented him with a royal towel, a coffee table book on Bastar Dussehra and a memento made of bell metal. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal were present on the occasion.
Friends of PALES, JALES and JASM paid tribute to Vinod Kumar Shukla, Nasir Ahmed Sikandar and poet Raza Haidri*
Raipur.Writers associated with the Progressive Writers' Association, the People's Writers' Association and the People's Culture Forum recently organized a condolence meeting at the Raipur Press Club in memory of the renowned late writers of Chhattisgarh and remembered their favorite writers with great intensity. It is known that in December 2025, the country's renowned poet and novelist Vinod Kumar Shukla, poet Nasir Ahmed Sikandar and poet Raza Haidri passed away. Arunkant Shukla, President of the Progressive Writers' Association, Raipur, called Vinod Kumar Shukla awriter who supported humanity.Poet Nasir Ahmed Sikandar spent his entire life uniting the state's conscious writers. Poet Raza Haidri was a writer deeply connected to the joys and sorrows of the people. His poetry will also live on in our hearts. Arunkant Shukla said that the passing of three literary luminaries in December is an irreparable loss. The void left by these personalities will remain. State President of the Janwadi Lekhak Sangh, Pardeshi Ram, described Vinod Kumar Shukla as a writer of unique craft. He described poet Nasir as an organizer dedicated to the organization, saying that he remained vocal against communalism throughout his life. Rajkumar Soni, National Secretary of the Jan Sanskriti Manch, said that Vinod was a great writer because he was both sensitive and honest. Nasir Ahmed Sikandar was also unique because he highlighted powerful poetic signatures. Poet Raza Haidri served as a bridge between Hindi and Urdu. Poet Mir Ali Mir compared the three writers to fragrance, saying that even after their departure, they would continue to fertilize the soil of the state and encourage good writers. Sukhanwar Hussain Sukhanwar provided detailed information about Raza Haidri, founder, life president, and editor-publisher of the magazine Shlok in Raipur, who carved a distinct niche for himself in Chhattisgarh's Urdu literature through his poems and ghazals. Dr. Nandan, a member of the National Executive of JALES, mentioned his relationship with Vinod Kumar Shukla and the closeness he developed with fellow Janwadi leader Nasir Ahmed Sikandar during his research on Nagarjun's literature. Nand Kumar Kansari of PALES described every meeting with Vinod Ji, who is engaged in writing for the salvation of humanity, as a wonderful encounter. Renowned poet Alok Verma urged one to form an opinion about Vinod Ji only after reading his entire work. He urged writers to better understand Shukla ji, advocating for reading his children's literature, starting with "Almost Jai Hind." Kamal Sharma, former announcer for Vividh Bharati, shared his experiences with Vinod ji. Aftab Begum, literary editor of Dainik Navbharat, also spoke about the creative contributions of Vinod ji and Nasir Ahmed Sikandar. PC Rath, State General Secretary of JALES, who moderated the meeting, spoke about the selfless contributions of the late personalities and the honesty of their work. He also mentioned Nasir's brief but powerful poems. Cultural figures Nisar Ali, Minhaj Asad, Fazle Abbas Saifi, and Saniyara Khan also addressed the gathering. The program was attended by journalists and poets Samir Dewan, Ruma Sengupta, Renu Nandi, Syed Salma, Sudha Bagh, Aftab Begum, Mo Shamim, Dr. Biplab Bandyopadhyay, Aziz Sadhir, Indra Rathore, Harish Kotak, and many other writers and cultural figures. At the end, poet Shijju Shakur expressed his gratitude on behalf of Jales.