State
Mahatari Vandan Yojana provides a new direction, Smt. Prem Bai becomes an example of self-reliance
Raipur: The Mahatari Vandan Yojana, aimed at women's economic empowerment, is becoming a vehicle for positive change in Chhattisgarh. Through this scheme, women in rural areas are becoming self-reliant and strengthening their families' economic well-being. Mrs. Prem Bai Patel, a resident of Bhursidih village in Sakti district's Sakti development block, is an inspiring example.
Mrs. Prem Bai Patel has received her 26th installment of monthly financial assistance under the scheme. This regular support has brought remarkable change to her life. Using the funds, she started a Gupchup (Panipuri) stall, which she operates from village to village. This small business provides her with a regular income, empowering her family financially.
With this income, Mrs. Prem Bai is able to meet the basic needs of her household—such as groceries and other daily necessities. She is also able to save for her children's future. She explains that while she previously faced financial difficulties, her life has now become more stable, her self-confidence has increased, and she has developed a sense of self-reliance.
This scheme was launched by the Chhattisgarh government in March 2024 to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise and promote the overall development of women. Since then, beneficiary women in the state have been regularly provided with a monthly assistance of ₹1,000. A total of ₹16,881 crore has been disbursed under this scheme in 26 installments, directly benefiting millions of women.
Mrs. Prem Bai Patel expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade for the positive changes brought about by this scheme. She said that this scheme has given a new direction to her life and she is now living a self-reliant life with dignity.
The picture of Sejadih changed due to the Prime Minister's Janman Yojana
Raipur: The picture of village Sejadih, located in the remote forest area of Kabirdham district, has now changed due to the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana. Through the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, the people of village Sejadih have got the facility for which they had been waiting for generations. Under the scheme, a 2.10 kilometer long concrete road has been constructed from Sendurkhar to Sejadih by the PMGSY department. The cost of this road construction work was Rs. 1 crore 56 lakh 88 thousand. This work was not easy, because the village is located in a hilly area. For the construction of the road, the path was prepared by cutting the ghats of the mountains
Second day of marathon review of works of urban bodies, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao reviewed the works of Nagar Panchayats
Strict action should be taken against haphazard construction, illegal plotting and encroachment in cities, Deputy Chief Minister gave instructions to all CMOs
Asks to work for the welfare of cities and citizens with new thinking and new working methods
Mr. Saav directed to tighten the work and arrangements of Nagar Panchayats, said that negligence and carelessness in work will not be tolerated, accountability will be fixed and strict action will be taken.
Instructions given to make cities clean and beautiful and to develop adequate public facilities for citizens
Asked to complete the work of taxation on new properties by May 31
Raipur. 21 April 2026. The review of urban bodies across the state continued for the second day today. Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration and Development Minister Shri Arun Saw reviewed the work of all Nagar Panchayats in a day-long meeting held at the Circuit House in Civil Lines, Raipur. In the meeting, he instructed the Chief Municipal Officers of Nagar Panchayats to strictly stop haphazard constructions, illegal plotting and encroachment. He asked to tighten the work and arrangements of Nagar Panchayats. Shri Saw said that negligence and carelessness in work will not be tolerated. Accountability will be fixed and strict action will be taken against those concerned.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Saw asked all CMOs to work for the welfare of cities and their residents with a new approach and new working methods. He directed them to make the emerging cities of the state well-organized, well-planned, clean and beautiful, as well as to develop adequate public facilities for the citizens. He asked the departmental regional joint directors of all five divisions to personally inspect each municipality and town council every quarter and submit a report to the director. Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department Dr. Basavaraju S., Director Mr. R. Ekka and CEO of the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) Mr. Shashank Pandey were also present in the review meeting.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Saw directed all CMOs to complete the taxation process on new properties of Nagar Panchayats by May 31st. He asked them to collect taxes like property tax, water tax, and user charges seriously and strictly to increase revenue collection. He directed them to identify unnecessary electricity connections through energy audit and take action to disconnect them. He also asked all the employees of the body to ensure timely payment of salaries and electricity bills every month.
Directing to make special efforts for water conservation, Mr. Saw asked to construct rain water harvesting structures in 100% buildings. He asked to complete the cleaning of big drains and drainage by 31st May and also to take necessary measures to prevent water logging during rains. Mr. Saw instructed all the CMOs to monitor the cleanliness and development works of the city by visiting the city every morning while staying at the headquarters. He also asked to keep local public representatives with them during the visit. Expressing strong displeasure over the negligence being done by the CMOs in their morning visits, he instructed them to compulsorily inspect the works daily.
Emphasizing on providing better facilities to citizens in cities, Mr. Saw asked to mark places for playgrounds and parks for children. He directed to complete the construction of Nalanda complexes under construction in Kunkuri and Ambagarh-Chowki by December this year. Mr. Saw asked to work with foresight on the arrangement of drinking water supply and ensure adequate arrangements for the next ten years. Giving priority to drinking water supply, he directed to make strong arrangements for it with the funds of the 15th Finance Commission.
Gangrel Dam upgradation gains momentum
Raipur: The Ravishankar Sagar Reservoir, also known as the Gangrel Dam, located in Dhamtari district, will now be strengthened and made safer through upgrades and significant repairs. The state government has granted administrative approval of ₹65.5 crore for the dam's long-term safety and structural strength. This initiative will not only increase the dam's lifespan but also strengthen dam safety standards.
An example of the journey from struggle to prosperity
Raipur: Living amidst limited resources and financial constraints, Ms. Ombati of Madai Gram Panchayat, Sakola Tehsil, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, has today become a powerful example of rural women's empowerment. Thanks to her self-confidence and hard work, she has not only strengthened her financial situation but also established a new identity in society.
Ombati's life changed positively when she joined the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, Bihan. This mission provided her with self-employment opportunities, as well as the necessary training and encouragement to move towards self-reliance. As an active member of the Jayani Jalakshi Self-Help Group, Ombati, along with other women in the group, started small enterprises. Initially, they pursued businesses such as mahua laddu, coconut laddu, and mushroom production. Due to their hard work and the quality of their products, demand for them steadily increased in the local market.
Major crackdown on illegal brick kiln, lakhs of bricks and wood seized
Raipur: In Rajnandgaon district, a joint team of the Revenue and Forest Departments conducted a major operation against an illegal brick kiln operating in the village of Mahuljhopri, seizing millions of bricks, wood, and other materials. Approximately 320,000 baked bricks, 160,000 unbaked bricks, 70 trolleys of soil, and 6 trolleys of wood were seized from the kiln, which operated without any valid permission or documentation.
According to information received, Dau Lal was illegally manufacturing bricks on Durga Bai's land in Mahuljhopri village of the Dongargaon development block. Upon learning of the incident, a joint team, under the direction of the Collector, arrived at the scene and took action, immediately shutting down the entire operation.
Life has taken a new turn in Lemru, with the Sanjeevani 108 service providing prompt treatment to villagers.
Raipur: A new chapter in healthcare has begun in the extremely remote forested Lemru region of Korba district. Located approximately 80 to 90 kilometers from the district headquarters, this region is geographically challenging and home to a large population of Specially Protected Backward Tribes (Specially Protected Tribes) such as the Pahari Korwa and Birhor. For a long time, this area remained virtually cut off from healthcare facilities, requiring five to six hours of precious time to transport a patient to a hospital in an emergency. Often, the lack of timely treatment led to a serious condition.
Taking this challenge seriously, the administration has launched the Sanjeevani Express 108 ambulance service in the Lemru region. Launched under the initiative and guidance of Collector Mr. Kunal Dudawat, this service is proving to be life-saving for this forested region. Equipped with modern medical equipment, these ambulances now reach villages with a single phone call, providing immediate treatment to patients.
The dream of owning a permanent house has come true through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Raipur: Every person has a dream in life that they should have a house of their own, in which they can sleep peacefully. The dream of a pucca house for common people is being fulfilled through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, due to which they are getting the house of their dreams. In this series, the dream of a pucca house for Prabha, a resident of village Lalakapa of Mungeli development block, has come true. She has got a safe and strong pucca house. Prabha told that earlier she did not have a pucca house of her own. She used to live in a dilapidated mud hut, where water used to drip during rains and it was difficult to escape from the cold in winters.
When the application process began under a government scheme to provide housing to poor families in the village, Prabha applied with hope. Considering her current circumstances, she was selected. Shortly after, the government approved her ₹120,000 under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural). This assistance fulfilled Prabha's long-cherished dream, and she secured a safe, sturdy, and permanent home. Now, she has a home where she and her family live a life of dignity and security. Prabha's confidence has grown even stronger after receiving the new home. She thanked the government for implementing this scheme.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Saw inaugurated Mawa Modol Library Charama
Raipur: Deputy Chief Minister of the state and Minister in charge of Public Works, Public Health Engineering, Urban Administration and Development, Sports and Youth Welfare, and North Bastar (Kanker) district, Mr. Arun Saw, inaugurated the Mawa Modol Library in Charaama, Kanker district, on Sunday. Following the inauguration, he inspected the library and interacted with the young students there. He shared his experiences as a student, urging them to study diligently, take advantage of the government's facilities, and, through success, bring glory to their country, state, and region. He also extended his best wishes to all the students for a bright future. Built at a total cost of ₹43 lakh, this fully equipped library will accommodate 75 students preparing for various competitive examinations. Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Board Chairperson, Mrs. Shalini Rajput, and District Panchayat Chairperson, Mrs. Kiran Nareti, were also present on the occasion.
When women are empowered, the state becomes strong – Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade
Raipur: Describing women's empowerment as the cornerstone of the state's overall development, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade said that when women are empowered, families, society, and the entire state become stronger. Addressing the state-level "Lakshmi Sakhi Millets Cart" distribution program held at her residence in Naya Raipur, she said the state government is continuously working to make women self-reliant and integrate them into the mainstream of development.
Special campaign for women empowerment in Baiga dominated villages
Raipur: Following the instructions of Mr. Indrajit Singh Chandrawal, Collector of Khairagarh, Chhuikhadan, and Gandai districts, a special campaign for women's empowerment was recently organized in the Baiga-dominated villages of Sarai Patera and Lalpur in Chhuikhadan development block. The main objective of this campaign was to empower Baiga women economically by connecting them with self-help groups and move them towards self-reliance.
During the program, under the guidance of Padmashree Phulbasan Yadav, women were given detailed information about the importance of self-help groups and their benefits. They were told that by joining a group, they can increase their income and also become socially empowered. During this, women were encouraged to actively participate in the group's activities.
National Horticulture Mission: Farmer Manish Mishra earned Rs 2 lakh from cucumber crop
Mr. Manish Mishra, a young farmer from Madwani village in the Patharia development block of Mungeli district, has set a new example of success by adopting modern farming techniques. The assistance he received under the National Horticulture Mission has increased his income to lakhs of rupees. Mr. Mishra, a graduate farmer, owns approximately 2 hectares of agricultural land. He began cultivating advanced cucumber cultivation in an area of 1,200 square meters. Under departmental guidance, he utilized modern techniques such as drip irrigation systems, plastic mulching, and shade net houses, significantly improving both crop quality and production.
During cultivation, he received a grant of 50,000 rupees from the department, which helped reduce costs. He produced approximately 175 quintals of cucumber per acre, which he sold in the market at a rate of 8 to 12 rupees per kg. This generated a total income of 2 lakh rupees, with a net profit of approximately 1.30 lakh rupees after deducting the cost of 70,000 rupees. Farmer Mr. Mishra explained that with modern technology and departmental support, farming has now become a profitable business. He advised other farmers to take advantage of the schemes and adopt advanced farming. He said that if farmers adopt new technologies and take advantage of government schemes, they can achieve higher production and better income even in a smaller area.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw strict on drinking water supply, illegal plotting and illegal construction in cities
Directs for permanent solution of drinking water problems in the next one year, asks for strict action against illegal plotting and illegal construction
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sao reviews the work of Municipal Corporations and Municipalities in the day-long meeting
All municipal corporations have been instructed to clean major drains and drainage channels by May 31st, and to take necessary steps to prevent waterlogging during the rainy season.
The Executive Engineer of Dhamtari drinking water scheme has been suspended for delays and the contractor will be penalized.
Raipur. 20 April 2026. Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration and Development Minister Shri Arun Saw today reviewed the work of all the municipal corporations and municipalities of the state. In the day-long meeting held at the Circuit House in Civil Lines, Raipur, he expressed his displeasure over the problems of drinking water supply in the cities, illegal plotting and illegal construction and directed to take immediate steps to resolve them. Expressing strong displeasure over the delay in the work of the drinking water scheme in Dhamtari, he directed to suspend the executive engineer and impose penalty on the contractor.
In two separate review meetings of Municipal Corporations and Municipalities held today, Secretary of Urban Administration and Development Department Dr. Basavaraju S., Director Mr. R. Ekka and CEO of State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) Mr. Shashank Pandey, along with the Commissioners of all Municipal Corporations, Chief Municipal Officers of Municipalities, Senior Engineers and Joint Directors of all the five divisional regional offices of the Urban Administration Department were also present in the meeting.
In the review meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw instructed the officials of Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils to prepare action plans as per the needs of the cities and work accordingly. He asked them to work actively and seriously to improve the system and image of the bodies. He said that the Municipal Corporations should do such work that the Municipal Councils of the state can take inspiration from it and the Municipal Councils should work in such a way that the Nagar Panchayats can get inspired. He told the engineers of the bodies that there should be no complaints regarding the quality of work. Pay special attention to ensure that all construction works are completed within the time limit.
Expressing displeasure and anger over the continuous complaints regarding drinking water supply, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Saw directed for its permanent solution in all the municipal corporations by next year. He said that work should not be done only for the purpose of spending the budget in the cities, but a permanent solution should be found to the problems. Strict action will be taken by fixing accountability on complaints of drinking water problem. He asked to complete the work of cleaning big drains and drainage in all the municipal corporations by 31st May and also to take necessary measures to prevent water logging during the rainy season. In the first week of June, the state level team will conduct physical inspection of the municipal corporations. If the work is not found satisfactory, action will be taken against the health officer and engineer.
In the meeting, Mr. Saw directed that the incomplete houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) be completed by September 2026. He asked that the construction of the unstarted houses be started within a month at any cost and that all the houses approved in March 2026 be started before the rainy season. He directed that the proposals of the beneficiaries who have completed the construction within the stipulated 18 months under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0 be sent to the department without delay, so that such beneficiaries can be provided an additional amount of Rs. 32,850 under the Chief Minister's House Entrance Samman Yojana.
Chief General Manager of IOCL made a courtesy call on Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai
Raipur / Chief General Manager (CGM) of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Ajay Kumar Srivastava, paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai today at the Chief Minister's residence office in the capital Raipur. During the meeting, topics such as expansion of the petroleum sector in the state, strengthening the fuel supply system and making public facilities more accessible were discussed.
Other senior officials of IOCL were also present on the occasion.
Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agarwal performed the Bhoomi Pujan of 'Shri Agroha Palace'
Raipur: Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal laid the foundation stone for the proposed "Shri Agroha Palace" in Ambikapur by performing a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony. On this occasion, he said that the pride of being a descendant of the revered Maharaja Agrasen ji is not only our identity but also a sacred responsibility. This project will become a symbol of society's collective resolve and participation, carrying forward the tradition of service, sacrifice, and public welfare.
Minister Shri Agarwal said that the significance of any building lies not only in its physical form, but also in its inherent spirit of service and dedication to society. He expressed confidence that 'Shri Agroha Palace', built with the cooperation of the entire society, will become a major center of public service, social awareness, and community activities in the future. He said that this grand complex will be equipped with 150 state-of-the-art rooms, a spacious hall, and a fully equipped lawn, which will establish its unique identity not only in Chhattisgarh but throughout Central India.
Over 4.19 lakh tests conducted, 4272 patients received specialist treatment – Chief Minister's Swasth Bastar Campaign is providing robust health services to remote areas
Raipur: The Chief Minister's Health Bastar Campaign, aimed at strengthening and making health services accessible in remote and inaccessible areas of the Bastar division, is steadily progressing with positive results. Under the campaign, health department teams have reached village-to-village and screened more than 419,898 citizens, enabling a large number of people to access timely health services.
Patients identified during the campaign are being provided immediate, free testing, medication, and treatment. Furthermore, through an effective referral system for serious and complicated cases, 4,272 patients have been referred to higher healthcare institutions for specialist treatment. This is also providing timely, better medical care to citizens living in remote areas.
To further strengthen access to health services, a robust health network has been developed through coordination between primary health centers, community health centers, district hospitals, medical colleges, and super-specialty institutions. Services are being effectively delivered, particularly to hard-to-reach areas, through mobile medical units and regular health camps.
Under the campaign, a digital health profile (Abha) is being created for every citizen, ensuring continuity and better management of healthcare services in the future. This initiative is also proving helpful in timely identification and effective treatment of diseases.
Mahatari Vandan Yojana provides a new direction, Smt. Prem Bai becomes an example of self-reliance
Raipur: The Mahatari Vandan Yojana, aimed at women's economic empowerment, is becoming a vehicle for positive change in Chhattisgarh. Through this scheme, women in rural areas are becoming self-reliant and strengthening their families' economic well-being. Mrs. Prem Bai Patel, a resident of Bhursidih village in Sakti district's Sakti development block, is an inspiring example.
Mrs. Prem Bai Patel has received her 26th installment of monthly financial assistance under the scheme. This regular support has brought remarkable change to her life. Using the funds, she started a Gupchup (Panipuri) stall, which she operates from village to village. This small business provides her with a regular income, empowering her family financially.
With this income, Mrs. Prem Bai is able to meet the basic needs of her household—such as groceries and other daily necessities. She is also able to save for her children's future. She explains that while she previously faced financial difficulties, her life has now become more stable, her self-confidence has increased, and she has developed a sense of self-reliance.
This scheme was launched by the Chhattisgarh government in March 2024 to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise and promote the overall development of women. Since then, beneficiary women in the state have been regularly provided with a monthly assistance of ₹1,000. A total of ₹16,881 crore has been disbursed under this scheme in 26 installments, directly benefiting millions of women.
Mrs. Prem Bai Patel expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade for the positive changes brought about by this scheme. She said that this scheme has given a new direction to her life and she is now living a self-reliant life with dignity.
