Raipur: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted a 21-day furlough. According to PTI, he will remain at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa during the furlough period.

This is the 17th time Ram Rahim will be released from jail. He is currently lodged in Rohtak's Sunaria jail.

Ram Rahim was convicted in the rape case in August 2017 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He had previously been granted parole for 30 days in May and 40 days in January.

Where will Ram Rahim stay after his 21-day parole, and how many times has he been out before? Full details can be found at the link.

Raipur. The monsoon is gaining strength again in Chhattisgarh. Three friends who had come to Korba's Devpahari Waterfall for a picnic became stranded on an island amid strong currents after the river's water level suddenly rose. Police and rescue teams rescued the three safely after approximately 15 hour

The impact of the rains wasn't limited to Korba. Heavy to very heavy rain fell in several areas of the Bastar division. Chhotedongar recorded 180 mm of rain, while Antagarh and Bastanar recorded 160 mm each.

Raipur also experienced heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. The capital recorded approximately 120 mm of rain. The water level of the Kelo River is expected to rise by approximately 3 feet due to the release of water from the Kelo Dam in Raigarh. A high-alert has been issued for low-lying areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon will remain active for the next two days. Heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is expected in many areas.

The state has received 832.2 mm of rain so far, which is 4% below normal and, according to the Meteorological Department, falls within the normal range. Narayanpur recorded the highest rainfall of 1,220 mm, while Bemetara received 40% less.

Raipur. On Tuesday morning, the bodies of a young man and woman were found hanging from a tree in the Kotbahra forest along the Surguja-Surajpur border. Villagers who were out gathering khukri saw the bodies and informed the polic

According to the police, the identities of the two have not yet been established. A forensic team has been called to the scene. After the investigation, the bodies will be exhumed and the identification process will begin.

An HF Deluxe bike was also found near the scene. Police suspect the two men may have traveled to the forest on a bike. It is currently unclear who the two men were or what circumstances led to their deaths

The police have established a crime scene and begun an investigation. The full picture of the case will only be clear after identification and the post-mortem report.

Jashpur. On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers from Jitutoli village under Devdand Sector sent a Rakhi to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, wishing him good health, happiness, a long life and a bright future. Along with the Rakhi, they also sent an application highlighting various demands and concerns of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.

The campaign is being conducted across the district under the leadership of Mrs. Kavita Yadav, Executive State President and District President. Through this campaign, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are expressing their affection and trust by considering the Chief Minister as their brother on the sacred occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

In the application sent to the Chief Minister, the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers have raised demands related to their dignity, social security, pension and other rights. They stated that Anganwadi Workers and Helpers play an important role in implementing government schemes related to women and child development, nutrition, maternal and child health, and other welfare programmes at the grassroots level. Therefore, their long-pending demands deserve serious and positive consideration.

A meeting was also organized at Jitutoli, where Mangalamani Bhagat, Sushma Bhagat, Laxmania Bhagat, Puneeta Yadav, Uchit Yadav, Rukmani Yadav and Pramila Yadav were specially present. All of them actively contributed to making the Rakhi-sending campaign a success.

The Anganwadi Workers and Helpers present at the meeting expressed confidence that Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai would understand their emotions and demands and take appropriate decisions in their interest.

Mrs. Kavita Yadav said that the thread of Rakhi carries the love, trust and hopes of the Anganwadi sisters. Through this campaign, which is being carried out in different parts of the district, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are reaching out to the Chief Minister with their message.

She further said that Anganwadi sisters consider the Chief Minister as their brother and strongly believe that he will take positive decisions to protect their dignity, security and rights and fulfil their long-standing expectations.

Kawardha: More than 19,000 mothers in Kabirdham received nutritional support through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
o Safe motherhood received support with assistance of approximately Rs 9 crore.

Kawardha. Health of mother and child is the first foundation of family's happiness. For this purpose, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, which provides financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers for nutrition, health check-up and essential care, is providing support to motherhood in Kabirdham district. From the year 2023 till now, assistance amount of about Rs 9 crore has been paid directly into the bank accounts of 19 thousand 214 beneficiaries in the district. This financial help received from the scheme is proving useful for women in meeting the needs of nutritious food, medicines and health related needs during pregnancy.Taking advantage of this scheme, Sheetal Dhurve, a resident of village Ulta in the development block Sahaspur Lohara, took special care of her health and nutrition during her pregnancy. The guidance of the Anganwadi worker and the financial assistance received from the scheme encouraged her to have regular health check-ups, take a nutritious diet and take necessary medicines. The happy result of this was the birth of a healthy child, Dhairya Kumar Dhurve. Sheetal tells that after getting the information about her pregnancy for the first time, she contacted the Anganwadi worker of the village, Pratibha Singh Thakur. The Anganwadi worker informed her about the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. The Anganwadi worker explained to her the importance of proper diet, regular health check-ups and medicines during pregnancy.Sheetal's hemoglobin level during pregnancy was 10.5 grams. In the seventh month of pregnancy, she received the first installment of Rs. 3,000 in her bank account under the scheme. She used this amount to purchase fruits, medicines, and other nutritious food items. She also received regular ANC checkups, vaccinations, and iron tablets. Regular health care and a nutritious diet yielded positive results. Sheetal gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Dhairya Kumar Dhurve, weighing 3,400 kilograms at birth. After the baby's birth and the necessary vaccinations, she applied for the second installment under the scheme, and received Rs. 2,000 in her bank account. Sheetal also used this amount for her nutritious diet and health needs.

Dhamtari: 72,582 beneficiaries of Dhamtari benefit from social security schemes.
o Along with pension, disabled people, students and third gender community are also getting the benefits of the schemes.

Dhamtari. The Social Welfare Department is running several schemes to provide social security to the needy, destitute, senior citizens, widows, handicapped and other deprived and vulnerable sections of the Dhamtari district. Due to the effective implementation of these schemes, 72 thousand 582 beneficiaries of the district are getting the benefits of regular pension and social security schemes. Along with providing financial support to the eligible beneficiaries through the schemes, they are also being helped to live a respectable and self-reliant life.

According to the information received from the Social Welfare Department, 8,870 beneficiaries in the district are benefiting under the Social Security Pension Scheme, 7,147 under the Sukhad Sahara Scheme and 35,388 under the Chief Minister's Pension Scheme. Similarly, 13,470 beneficiaries are getting pension benefits under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, 6,605 under the National Widow Pension Scheme and 1,159 under the National Disabled Pension Scheme. These pension schemes are helping the eligible beneficiaries in meeting their daily needs by providing them regular financial assistance.

Various schemes are being implemented in the district to provide assistance to the disabled, from equipment and education to employment,
to integrate the disabled into the mainstream of society and to provide assistance according to their needs. 154 devices have been distributed so far in the year 2026-27 towards providing assistive devices and artificial limbs. Meanwhile, under the Artificial Limb Equipment Supply Scheme, necessary equipment has been provided to 146 disabled people.

With the aim of encouraging students with disabilities to continue their education, 622 students have benefited from the Disabled Scholarship Scheme. Under the Disabled Marriage Incentive Scheme, which is run to encourage marriages of disabled people, a total assistance of Rs 2.50 lakh has been provided to 5 beneficiaries. Apart from this, 1 beneficiary has benefited under the Disabled Civil Service Incentive Scheme and 6 beneficiaries have benefited under the Higher Education Incentive Scheme. Thus, the department is also laying special emphasis on connecting disabled people with education, skills, employment and social participation opportunities.

Financial support to needy families:
National Family Assistance Scheme is being implemented to provide immediate assistance to families in case of financial crisis arising due to sudden death of the earning member of the family. Under this, a total assistance of Rs 20.60 lakh has been provided to 103 beneficiaries in the district at the rate of Rs 20 thousand per beneficiary. This assistance is playing an important role in providing financial support to needy families in difficult circumstances.

Mahasamund: Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao congratulated the players of Khelo India Archery Centre by distributing kits.
o Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao congratulated Martyr Rajiv Pandey Awardee player Lucky Yadav.

Mahasamund. During the visit of Deputy CM and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister of Chhattisgarh Government Arun Sao to Mahasamund on Saturday, at the Collector's office, President District Para Sports Association Mahasamund Niranjan Sahu and District Para Sports player Lucky Yadav were selected for Rajiv Pandey Award for the year 2025-26 State Sports Decoration. Deputy CM Sao congratulated and honored Lucky Yadav. The President, District Para Sports Association submitted a demand letter to the Minister regarding the operation of inclusive sports academy (residential and non-residential) to develop the sports activities of disabled para players and to inculcate national sentiment towards sports among disabled and normal players. In which necessary suggestions were given for continuous practice, nutrition, diet and technical training of the players. On this occasion, Minister Sao directly assured to fulfill the demand letter.

Deputy CM Saw met and introduced himself to the players of Khelo India Archery Centre Eklavya Residential School Bhoring, run by Sports and Youth Welfare Mahasamund, distributed sports kits and congratulated them and wished them all the best for the future. On this occasion, Collector Vinay Kumar Langeh, Additional Collector Ravi Sahu, Sports Officer Sports and Youth Welfare Manoj Dhritlahare, other district officers, Principal Eklavya Bhoring Mahendra Tandon, NIS Archery Coach Aven Kumar Sahu, Physical Education Teacher Eklavya Bhoring Neelam Sahu and players of Khelo India Archery Centre were present. Currently, 60 players are reaching Khelo India Archery Centre Eklavya Bhoring to practice archery.

Raipur. Political rhetoric has intensified in Chhattisgarh regarding the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has accepted Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma's challenge for a debate. Baghel said that he is ready for the debate if a time and place is decided. In fact, Vijay Sharma, presenting the figures related to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, had claimed that in the first cabinet meeting of the new government, a decision was taken to approve and construct 18 lakh Prime Minister's houses. He said that more than 11 lakh houses under the PM Awas Yojana-Gramin have been completed so far since the formation of the government. The minister had accused the former Chief Minister of spreading confusion regarding the housing scheme and challenged him for a debate on any platform.

Bhupesh Baghel accepted the challenge, stating that he accepted Vijay Sharma's challenge and was ready for the debate. He also questioned the government regarding the housing scheme's statistics. Baghel alleged that different figures were being presented at different places regarding the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme. He said that a letter to the Chief Minister stated that 185,000 houses had been approved, while different figures were presented in Parliament. Baghel questioned which of the two was the correct figure.

The former Chief Minister claimed that more than 1.1 million homes had already been built in the state, including those built during the tenures of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh and his tenure. He also claimed that approximately 700,000 homes had been approved during his tenure. Baghel demanded that Vijay Sharma clarify how many homes the current government had approved and how many had been completed so far. He also claimed that 1.845 million homes had already been approved during his tenure. Now, with the two leaders accepting the challenge to a debate, the political conflict over the PM Awas Yojana data is likely to intensify.

Raipur. Under the direction of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai and the guidance of the Raipur District Administration, Project Punarjeevan Mahabhiyan, aimed at environmental protection, is being rapidly carried forward in all 10 zones of the Raipur Municipal Corporation. Under the campaign, tree guards and concrete fences and pavers that are hindering the natural growth of plants are being removed.

As of August 22, 2026, approximately 2,302 tree guards and 571 concrete fences and pavers have been removed at various locations within the municipal corporation area. This campaign continues throughout all 10 municipal zones. Removing these structures provides plants with natural access to soil, water, and adequate space, creating a favorable environment for their growth.

Collector inspected various places
Raipur Collector Dr. Gaurav Kumar Singh, along with Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mr. Sambit Mishra, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kumar Vishwaranjan and other concerned officials, inspected various places including Oxygen Garden in the capital and took stock of the progress of Project Punarjanvta. He saw the status of the work of removing tree guards and concrete fences from around the plants on the spot and gave necessary directions to the officials. During the inspection, Additional Commissioner Garden Mr. Vinod Pandey, Deputy Commissioner Garden Mrs. Jagriti Sahu, concerned Zone Commissioner, Executive Engineer, other officials of Municipal Corporation and officials of Public Works Department, Forest Department and District Administration were present.

As part of the campaign, the zone commissioners of all 10 zones of the Municipal Corporation identified trees in their respective wards where tree guards or concrete fences and pavers were impeding their natural growth. Action is being taken to remove these structures at the identified locations .

Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mr. Sambit Mishra is also monitoring the campaign daily and reviewing the progress of the work. As directed by the district administration, this environmental protection campaign is being carried forward with priority.

Appealing to citizens to participate in environmental protection,
Collector Dr. Gaurav Kumar Singh has appealed to the citizens of the capital to contribute to the growth of such plants around them by providing them with water and fertilizer as needed. He said that citizens who take an active part in environmental protection will be honored as "Environmental Friends" under Project Punarjivan.

The government's goal is to free plants from unnecessary artificial enclosures and provide them with a natural environment, making Raipur city greener, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly. As part of the campaign, the work of marking various areas and removing tree guards and concrete enclosures will continue in the coming days.

The hard work of farmers, the entrepreneurship of sisters and the fragrant Vishnubhog rice gave a new identity to Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi.

Raipur, August 2026. Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, the 25th newly formed district of Chhattisgarh, is now gaining recognition for its unique agricultural product, the aromatic Vishnubhog rice, along with its natural beauty. Vishnubhog rice has been selected as the district's main product under the Government of India's One District, One Product scheme. With its captivating aroma, excellent taste, and traditional farming characteristics, Vishnubhog rice has become the unique identity of the GPM district. The fragrance of Vishnubhog is no longer confined to the fields, but is now crossing the district's borders and reaching various parts of the state and the country.

In the Pendra region, approximately 1,500 farmers cultivate Vishnubhog rice on approximately 600 acres of land. Farmers' hard work, collective efforts, and a shift toward natural farming have taken this unique rice variety to new heights. Vishnubhog cultivation is not only increasing farmers' incomes but also strengthening the district's rural economy.

In Vishnu Bhaiya's government, the hard work of the sisters is getting a market.

Women's involvement in Vishnubhog rice, from cultivation to processing, packaging, and marketing, makes it an inspiring story of self-reliance. Vishnubhog rice is procured from farmers by the Malaniya Mahila Farmer Producer Company, Pendra. The rice is then processed in a mini rice mill and made available in the market with attractive packaging and branding.

This work has provided permanent employment to 15 women members of the group. The women are becoming financially empowered and moving towards becoming Lakhpati Didis. So far, the women of the group have successfully sold approximately 2 tons of Vishnubhog rice, earning them a profit of approximately 1 lakh rupees.

Respect and self-reliance of sisters, strong identity of development

Vishnubhog's success demonstrates that when local resources are combined with the hard work of farmers and the power of women, even traditional products can create a distinct identity in the broader market. Vishnubhog rice is emerging as a powerful symbol of the prosperity of the farmers of the GPM district, the self-reliance of the women, and local entrepreneurship.

From the fragrance of Vishnubhog to national identity, GPM

Through the One District, One Product (ODP) initiative, Vishnubhog rice is receiving a better platform for production, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing. Its growing demand is creating new opportunities for local farmers and women entrepreneurs.

In the future, with further encouragement for the production, branding, and marketing of Vishnubhog, this rice could give Chhattisgarh's unique agricultural heritage a new identity at the national level. Growing on GPM soil, Vishnubhog is today spreading the fragrance of farmers' hard work, sisters' self-reliance, and a self-reliant Chhattisgarh progressing under Vishnubhaiya's good governance.

The Chief Minister released the novel 'Kohara' by young litterateur Shri Karuna Sagar Panda.

Every house should have a small library, promote the culture of reading: Chief Minister Shri Sai

Raipur, August 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today released the novel "Kohra" by young writer Shri Karuna Sagar Panda at the Mahant Ghasidas Museum Auditorium in the capital, Raipur. On this occasion, he said that literature is not only a mirror of society, but also a powerful medium to awaken it and show it the right direction. Novels like "Kohra" play an important role in bringing social issues to the center of discussion.

Chief Minister Shri Sai, while congratulating young writer Shri Karuna Sagar Panda on the publication of his novel, said that writing on sensitive and challenging subjects requires courage. When writers make societal problems and realities the subject of their writing, literature becomes a medium of social awareness.

Referring to Chhattisgarh's rich literary tradition, the Chief Minister said that the state has given the country many distinguished writers. Eminent writers like Vinod Kumar Shukla were honored with the Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honor. Chhattisgarh was the birthplace of Muktibodh, and writers like Padmlal Pannalal Bakshi have enriched Hindi literature. He said that a new generation of writers is carrying forward this glorious tradition and bringing contemporary issues to society's attention through literature.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that cinema and literature have, from time to time, brought to the forefront sensitive issues of society. Referring to "The Kerala Story" and "The Kashmir Files," he said that raising difficult and poignant topics often leads to disagreements and protests, but it is the responsibility of the creator to present the subject to society with their own vision and sensitivity. He commended the author of "Kohra" for his courageous efforts.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that good books should reach as many readers as possible. He urged people to create small libraries in their homes and cultivate a reading habit in their children. The Chief Minister said that the prosperity of a home is reflected not only in its grandeur, but also in the books available there and the culture of reading. He said that books form a bridge of knowledge, culture, and experience between generations. Therefore, every family should maintain a collection of books according to their interests.

The creators should also bring to the fore the untold suffering of Naxalism.

Chief Minister Shri Sai, while referring to Naxalism on this occasion, urged writers and authors to make the suffering and struggle of those affected by it the subject of their works. He said that Chhattisgarh has long suffered the brunt of Naxal violence. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the strong will of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the indomitable courage of the security forces, and the continuous efforts of the state government, decisive success has been achieved against Naxalism in the state, and Bastar is rapidly moving towards a new era of peace and development.

The Chief Minister said that many innocent people lost their loved ones in Naxalite violence, children's education and future were affected, and many areas remained outside the mainstream of development for decades. This human tragedy of Naxalism and its impact on society needs to be widely highlighted. Through their sensitive writings, writers can convey the suffering, struggles, and stories of the changing Bastar to the nation and the world.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Sunil Gangaram Garg, said that Indian culture embraces diversity and uniqueness, coexisting with each other. He praised the writings of Mr. Karuna Sagar Panda, calling "Kohra" a relevant work on a contemporary subject.

Jashpurnagar. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, meaningful initiatives are being taken to make women self-reliant. In this context, Simmi Kujur, a resident of Kunkuri, was also once struggling with financial problems. She had to face many challenges to meet the needs of the family. At such a time, joining a self-help group gave her an opportunity to move forward. Through the group, she obtained a loan and used that amount for animal husbandry. With hard work and dedication, her income started increasing as she pursued animal husbandry. This provided financial support to the family and their livelihood improved compared to before. Simmi Kujur's success did not stop here.

With her experience and confidence, she has once again taken out a loan. This time, she plans to install a brick-making machine. She believes this new business will provide her with another strong source of employment and income, further improving her financial situation.

Simmi Kujur said that self-help groups and government schemes have given her the opportunity to stand on her own feet. She thanked the state government profusely for the change in her financial situation and said that such schemes are playing a vital role in empowering women.

Jashpurnagar. The Food and Drug Administration of Jashpur district yesterday provided free FOSTEC (Food Safety Training and Certification) training to 200 street food vendors doing food business on the footpath and roadside in the dialogue hall of the district panchayat.

The event was organised in collaboration with Nestlé India and NASVI (National Association of Street Vendors of India).

According to the Food Safety Standards Act 2006 and Regulations 2011, it is mandatory for all food businesses to undergo FOSTEC training. This training included vendors of tea, snacks, food carts, stalls, kiosks, jalebi, pakora, bhajiya, chaat, gupchup, idli, dosa, roasted jalapenos, phalidana, juice, lassi, shakes, fast food, momos, Chinese, and ice cream and falooda.

During the training, vendors were given information about preparing and serving food items hygienically and working as per hygiene standards.

Distribution of certificates and hygiene kits

Following the training, all 200 vendors received a Fostak training certificate, a street food vendor certificate, and a free hygiene kit. The kit included a cooking apron, a cap, a head cover, gloves, a kitchen towel, hand soap, and a Golden Rule chart.

Free registration for five years

The department said that under the scheme of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), street food vendors are being given food registration completely free of cost for five years on application.

Additionally, under the Eat Right Now movement, advice was given to use less oil, less salt, and less sugar in food. Government-issued posters and pamphlets were also distributed, so vendors could display them in their shops to raise awareness.

Designated Officer Sagar Dutta said that the department is committed to providing quality, standard, and clean food to the people in the district. Such awareness programs will continue in the future.

Health Minister said: Not a single seat entitled to the children of Chhattisgarh will be affected.

Journalists returning from Leh-Ladakh study tour paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Shri Sai

There is a need to introduce the world to the natural beauty, rich tribal culture and untouched tourist destinations of Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai

Bastar is emerging from the shadow of Naxalism and creating a new identity of peace, development and tourism.

Expansion of tourism will open up new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth.

Raipur, August 2026/Bastar in Chhattisgarh, endowed with natural beauty, rich tribal culture, and amazing biodiversity, has immense tourism potential. For a long time, due to Naxalism, Bastar's national identity was not in keeping with its true beauty and cultural richness. Now, the situation has changed rapidly, and Bastar is ready to move forward with a new identity of peace, trust, development, and tourism. The media can play an important role in spreading this changing image of Bastar to the nation and the world. Chief Minister Shri Sai said this today during a courtesy meeting with journalists returning from a study and exposure visit to Leh-Ladakh at the Chief Minister's residence in the capital, Raipur.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai held a cordial conversation with journalists regarding their experiences during their study tours and discussed the role of media in tourism development.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Bastar is a unique gift of nature. Its dense forests, picturesque waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and caves are as attractive as its tribal culture, traditions, folk art, handicrafts, food, and lifestyle. Each region of Bastar holds a unique story of nature and culture. The need is to effectively showcase these characteristics of Bastar on the national and international tourism map.

He said that over the past four decades, Bastar's name has appeared in the national media mostly in the context of Naxalism and violence. This has left Bastar's true identity behind. Now, decisive success against Naxalism and the emerging atmosphere of peace in the region have opened new doors for Bastar's development. With the expansion of roads, communications, education, health, and other infrastructure, new possibilities are also emerging in the tourism sector.

Chief Minister Shri Sai told reporters that all of you are familiar with the true beauty of Bastar and the changes taking place there. When positive stories about Bastar's natural beauty, culture, and tourist destinations are brought to the nation through the national media, people's perception of Bastar will also change. He said that it should be the endeavor of all of us to make Bastar known not for Naxalism, but for its nature, culture, tourism, and development.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that tourism is not only a means of enhancing a region's identity, but also a major pillar of strengthening the local economy. Increased tourism in Bastar will create employment and self-employment opportunities in numerous sectors, including hotels, homestays, transportation, local food, handicrafts, and guide services. Local youth and women, in particular, will directly benefit. Tourism will also provide a greater market for Bastar's handicrafts, forest produce, and local products.

Referring to Leh-Ladakh, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that well-organized tourism in areas with natural and geographical uniqueness can bring about a major transformation in the local economy. During the study tour, the journalists closely observed various aspects of tourism management, local culture, environmental protection, and tourism-based livelihoods.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to ensuring lasting peace and development in Bastar, as well as expanding tourism potential. Our endeavor is to ensure that tourists from across the country and the world fearlessly visit Bastar, witness its natural beauty and unique culture up close, and return with the experience of a new and changing Bastar.

Good Governance Festival – A New Identity of Public Confidence, Welfare and Development

Chhagan Lal Lonhare
Joint Director, Public Relations

Raipur, August 23, 2026/ Good Governance Festival is a sensitive initiative of the Chhattisgarh government, aimed at reaching the doorsteps of villages and cities to provide timely solutions to the problems of the general public and strengthen public trust in the government and administration. This campaign, organized last month under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, aims to foster direct dialogue with the public and accelerate development work. For more information, visit the Chhattisgarh Government Portal.

Be it Ayatu of Bastar or Tiharu of Surguja district, Itwari Ram Kumar of the tribal dominated Nagari region of Dhamtari district can stand before the Chief Minister of the state Vishnu Dev Sai and say boldly that Sir, are we getting the grains and other food items from the PDS i.e. government fair price shop at affordable rates and on time or not? Good governance, which easily comes to the mind of the people when we say good governance, its real meaning is such a governance which is people-centric, transparent and in which the voice of the people is supreme.

Easy access of administration to the last person in the society

During the recently successfully concluded Good Governance Festival, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai made a surprise visit to the villagers to assess the implementation of government schemes. The true meaning of good governance is not merely the announcement of schemes, but rather the need to ensure that government is so sensitive, transparent, and accountable that its benefits reach the last person in society. Good Governance Festival is a living example of this vision. With this intention, people from remote areas of the state also prominently raised their concerns with their village head in the village square regarding various public needs. Whether it was the construction of hand pumps, ghats in ponds, community halls, Anganwadi buildings, access roads, or the extension of power lines, midday meals, or the regular attendance of teachers in schools.

Quick solution to the problems of villages, poor and farmers under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Sai

During Good Governance Festival, camps were organized for groups of 15 to 20 Gram Panchayats in rural areas and at the ward cluster level in urban areas. The Chief Minister immediately approved the villagers' small public needs on the spot. The sudden landing of a helicopter among the villagers is a matter of curiosity for the villagers; the head of the state has come to inquire about their problems and suffering, especially in the hot afternoon of the month of Baishakh-Jeth. With the Chief Minister among them, the villagers felt at ease and expressed their views cordially. The Chief Minister also fulfilled their public needs on the spot. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Good Governance Festival was organized across the state from May 1 to June 10, 2026, to resolve various problems of the villages, the poor, and the farmers as promptly as possible.

Information was also collected from the villagers about their problems and needs in the Chaupal.

In Chhattisgarh, Good Governance Festival was conducted as an effective medium of mutual dialogue between the government and the public, which was successfully completed. This year also, campaign teams of government officers and employees were formed in 146 development blocks of all 33 districts of the state and they were sent to the villages. The total number of villages under 11 thousand 693 Gram Panchayats in the state is around 19 thousand 820. Under the campaign, thousands of officers and employees of various departments toured on foot in different groups. During this, they also stayed overnight in the villages and inquired about the problems and needs of the villagers in the Chaupal.

The 30th installment of Mahatari Vandan was received before Rakshabandhan, doubling the joy of the festival of Milapa.

Raipur, August 23, 2026/ The Chhattisgarh government's Mahtari Vandan Yojana is becoming a strong foundation for regular financial support for the state's mothers and sisters. With the monthly assistance provided under the scheme, women are becoming financially capable of meeting their families' needs, as well as their own. The receipt of the scheme's 30th installment before the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan has brought a special joy to women across the state.

A glimpse of this joy also appeared on the face of Mrs. Milapa Nadeshwar, a resident of the village of Joratarai, in the Ambagarh Chowki development block of the Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki district. Upon receiving the 30th installment of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, she expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and affectionately addressed him as "Vishnu Bhaiya."

Received the amount before Rakhi, happiness of the festival doubled
Mrs. Milapa Nadeshwar said that it is a matter of great happiness for her to receive the amount under Mahatari Vandan Yojana before Rakshabandhan. With this amount, she is able to make preparations for the festival as well as fulfill the essential needs of the house. She said that this time the festival of Rakhi is special for her because the timely financial assistance has reduced the extra burden of festival preparations. She said emotionally that when she will tie the thread of love on the wrists of her brothers on Rakshabandhan, it will also be associated with the feeling of gratitude and affection towards 'Vishnu Bhaiya'.

Milapa Nadeshwar explains that the monthly funds received under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana are proving useful for her family. This fund provides financial assistance for the children
's needs, household expenses, and the purchase of essential goods. She explained that previously, even small needs required spending within the family budget, but now, with regular financial assistance, she is able to meet many essential expenses on her own.

Confidence increased with financial assistance
For Milapa Nadeshwar, Mahatari Vandan Yojana has not only become a source of financial assistance but also a means of increasing self-confidence and self-respect. The regular amount has given her an opportunity to strengthen her role in the family's needs and become more independent in financial decisions. She said that Mahatari Vandan Yojana is an important initiative towards empowering women financially. The 30th installment received on the occasion of Rakshabandhan feels to her like love and support for her sisters from 'Vishnu Bhaiya'.