Farming picks up pace in Dhamtari, farmers demand timely fertilizers, seeds and relief

Dhamtari, July 19 . After two days of continuous drizzle, farming activities picked up across the district as the weather cleared on Sunday. After the rain filled the fields with sufficient water, water has now begun to drain, allowing farmers to quickly begin sowing, plowing, transplanting, and mulching.

Farmers are increasingly active in their fields in most rural areas of the district, including the Dhamtari, Nagari, and Kurud development blocks. Farmers say the recent rains are like nectar for their fields, and if the weather remains favorable, they expect a good harvest this year. However, with the Meteorological Department predicting more rain in the coming days, farmers are keeping an eye on the weather. Farmers who had previously lagged behind in sowing and transplanting due to the lack of rain have now quickly returned to their fields. So far, 288 mm of rainfall has been recorded in Dhamtari tehsil, 272 mm in Kurud, 321 mm in Magarlod, 291 mm in Nagari, 194 mm in Bhakhara, 288 mm in Kukrel, and 294 mm in Belargaon.

The highest rainfall in the district occurred in Magarlod tehsil and the lowest in Bhakhara tehsil. Meanwhile, farmers also highlighted problems related to farming. Panchram Sahu, a farmer from Rampur village in the Kurud development block, said that it is essential to provide fertilizers and seeds to farmers on time so that farming operations can be completed without interruption. Farmer Dinesh Kumar Sahu demanded that agriculture be integrated with the MNREGA scheme, saying this would provide additional relief to farmers and alleviate the burden of rising farming costs. He explained that due to the ever-rising price of diesel, plowing fields with tractors is becoming increasingly expensive. Meanwhile, Manoj Sahu and Birbal Sahu, farmers from Dahi village, said that the cost of farming is constantly increasing, so the government should formulate a comprehensive and effective policy to protect farmers' interests, making agriculture profitable and providing them with financial support.

69.83 percent transplantation and sowing in the district

Deputy Director of Agriculture Monesh Kumar Sahu said that this year the target of farming has been set on 1 lakh 38 thousand hectares in the district. Sowing, sowing and harvesting has been done on a total of 96900 hectares. Sowing has been done on 80.300 hectares, which is 97.46 percent of the target and sowing has been done on only 16600 hectares whereas the target of sowing has been kept at 56370 hectares in the district. The sown crop is now in dire need of irrigation water through rain.

Raipur. The School Education Department will organize the state-level school entrance festival for the academic session 2026-27 on July 20 at Swami Atmanand Excellent English Medium School, Jamgaon (M) located in Patan development block of Durg district. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai will be the chief guest of this program to be held from 12 noon. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Durg district Vijay Sharma will attend the program as a special guest, while School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav will preside over the program.

During the programme, Chief Minister Sai and other guests will cordially welcome the children taking admission in the school for the first time by applying tilak and giving them sweets.

The objective of Shala Praveshotsav is to increase enthusiasm towards education among children, ensure 100% enrolment in schools and create a positive environment towards education in the society.

Durg Lok Sabha constituency MP Vijay Baghel, Patan MLA and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Durg Rural MLA Lalit Chandrakar, Ahiwara MLA Doman Lal Korsevada along with other MLAs and public representatives will be present as special guests in the function.

The School Education Department stated that all preparations for the state-level school entrance ceremony have been completed. The department has appealed to parents, public representatives, and dignitaries to attend the event in large numbers to encourage the children.

Raipur. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap welcomed the state government's decision to prioritize local youth in the Bastar Fighters recruitment rules and expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai. He said this decision is a historic initiative towards a bright future for Bastar's youth, the region's security, and overall development. This will provide new employment opportunities in government service for approximately 5,800 local youth in the Bastar division.

Minister Kedar Kashyap said on Sunday that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bastar is moving toward a new era of development, trust, and opportunities. The central government's clear policy and sustained efforts have given Bastar development a new impetus, opening numerous doors to education, employment, and a better future for its youth.

He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, the state government is consistently making public-friendly and visionary decisions, prioritizing Bastar's development. The decision to prioritize local youth in the Bastar Fighters recruitment process is a result of this sensitive and development-oriented approach. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, he said that this decision will give new wings to the dreams of Bastar's youth.

Kedar Kashyap said that local youth are well-versed in their language, culture, geographical conditions, and social environment. Their participation will make security more effective, strengthen trust between the administration and the public, and also give new impetus to development work.

He said that this decision is not limited to providing employment, but is an important step towards building a self-reliant, secure, and developed Bastar. This decision by the Sisodia government will strengthen the confidence of Bastar's youth and propel the region's development to new heights.

Raigarh. A double murder has occurred in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district. A mother and her 10-month-old daughter were killed. Both were likely struck on the head and face with a heavy object.

The bodies of both men were found soaked in blood in the house. Upon receiving information about the incident, police and forensic teams arrived at the scene, registered a murder case against an unknown suspect, and began an investigation. The incident occurred in Chhaparpani village, under the Lalunga police station area.

According to police, Barat Kumari (40)'s husband died about four to five years ago. Since then, she has been mentally unstable and has been living on the run. Ten months ago, she gave birth to a baby girl. However, the father's identity is unknown. She then moved with her daughter to a house in a borewell on Prahlad Behera's farm.

The villager saw the blood-soaked condition

On Wednesday, Barat Kumari was seen returning from Sukwas village with rice. On Thursday morning, villager Nanku Ram found her seriously injured in a borewell and informed her family.

Family members who arrived at the scene found the woman's head and face struck with a heavy object. She was bleeding profusely. Her 10-month-old daughter, Pari, was lying dead nearby, also with severe head injuries.

The woman died while being taken to the hospital

The family rushed the seriously injured Barat Kumari to the hospital for treatment, but she died on the way. Following the incident, Lalunga police inspected the scene, collected evidence, and registered a murder case under Section 103(1) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against an unknown suspect and have begun an investigation.

Jashpur . In a major crackdown on illegal weapons in Chhattisgarh's Jashpur district, Pathalgaon police arrested a suspected criminal with a country-made pistol. A country-made pistol, a live cartridge, and a spent cartridge were recovered from the accused's possession. After presenting him in court, police sent him to jail on judicial remand.

According to the police, information was received that Mukesh Sidar, alias Nanhi, a resident of Chidrapara in the Pathalgaon police station area, was roaming the area with an illegal country-made pistol and trying to intimidate people. Acting on the information, the police surrounded the area and took the accused into custody.

During a search, a country-made pistol, one live cartridge, and one spent cartridge were recovered from him. During questioning, the accused was unable to produce any valid documents for possession of the weapon.

Police registered a case against the accused under the Arms Act, arrested him, and produced him in court, where he was sent to jail. Police say the campaign against illegal weapons in the district will continue and strict action will be taken against those who disrupt law and order.

Raipur. The impact of investor-friendly policies, good governance, and administrative reforms under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai is now clearly visible at the national level. In the CRISIL-NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026, Chhattisgarh ranked first among 17 major states in key investment parameters such as ease of regulation and institutional environment. The state also ranked second in environmental resilience. Furthermore, as a result of growing investor confidence, Chhattisgarh has received investment proposals worth approximately ₹8 lakh crore in the last 18 months, including in future industries such as semiconductors, AI data centers, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.
Since assuming the reins of government, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has prioritized investment, industry, and employment, while placing special emphasis on making governance more transparent, simple, and accountable. This policy of creating a conducive environment for industry has resulted in Chhattisgarh achieving remarkable success in independent national-level assessments, surpassing many established industrial states. In a joint assessment by CRISIL and NITI Aayog, the state received a total score of 47.5. While Chhattisgarh ranked ninth among 17 large states in the overall ranking, it performed best in the country on key parameters related to investor confidence.
Starting a business is easier than ever.
Chhattisgarh scored 8.4 out of 12 on the ease of regulations metric, surpassing even larger states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. This metric assesses the time it takes for an industry to obtain approvals, the speed with which NOCs, construction permits, electricity and water connections are available, the efficiency of commercial courts, and the simplicity of the business closure process. Ranking first in this category indicates that industries in Chhattisgarh face fewer administrative hurdles. Permissions are granted quickly, compliance costs are low, and investors receive better administrative support at every level.
A strong institutional framework has become a strength for investors.
Chhattisgarh also achieved first place among the country's large states in terms of institutional environment, scoring 4.5 out of 6. This category evaluates aspects such as quality of governance, economic crimes, cybercrime, labor disputes, policy consistency, and prompt grievance resolution. This achievement clearly demonstrates the state's stable, reliable, and investor-friendly administrative system. Industries are benefiting from policy consistency, prompt decisions, and speedy dispute resolution, strengthening long-term investment confidence.

Bilaspur. In Chhattisgarh, the number of fraudulent cases involving compensation by falsely claiming death from a sneha bite is increasing. In this connection, a female doctor from Bilaspur, who fabricated the case, has been arrested. Dr. Priyanka Soni, formerly of SIMS, was arrested. She was presented in court and sent to jail

Three other accused, including a lawyer, have previously been arrested in this case. According to police, in both cases, the actual cause of death was concealed and the death was reported as a snakebite, raising the issue to a serious criminal conspiracy.

Layers of fake report exposed in investigation

A case has been registered against Dr. Priyanka Soni in the case of Pawan Yadav, a resident of Talapara, who died in the Civil Lines police station. She fabricated a post-mortem report claiming the death was due to a snakebite, whereas the deceased actually died of a heart attack. The deceased's wife, Shivkumar Yadav, and his sister, witness Danami Yadav, have been arrested in the case.

Raipur – Chhattisgarh has achieved a significant milestone in the investment sector. The state performed exceptionally well in the CRISIL and NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index 2026, establishing itself as one of the most promising and investment-friendly states. According to the report, Chhattisgarh ranked high on key parameters such as ease of doing business, institutional environment, and investment-friendly systems. The state's environmentally friendly policies were also praised. This achievement is being attributed to the state government's new industrial policy, single-window system, and initiatives to provide fast, transparent, and accessible services to investors. These reforms have strengthened investor confidence, and Chhattisgarh is cementing its position as an emerging industrial and investment hub in the country.

Jashpurnagar . My Youth India (MY Bharat) Jashpur, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, is organizing various cultural competitions for the youth of the district as part of the Drug Free India Campaign 2026. The competitions include dance, reel making and short film, debate, slogan writing, painting, music, street plays and slam poetry.

Interested youth can register online on the Mera Yuva Bharat portal until July 20, 2026. District-level competitions will be held between July 22 and 27, 2026. Participants will be informed separately about the date, time, and location of the competitions.

The participants selected at the district level will get an opportunity to participate in the state level competition and the state level winners will represent Chhattisgarh and Jashpur district at the national level.

Mera Yuva Bharat Jashpur has urged all the youth of the district to participate in these competitions in large numbers. These competitions are a powerful medium for youth to showcase their talents and spread the message of a drug-free India to every segment of society. For more information and to register, visit the Mera Yuva Bharat portal or the official social media platforms of Mera Yuva Bharat Jashpur.

Jashpurnagar . Registration of farmers on the Integrated Farmer Portal has now been made mandatory to avail the benefits of state-sponsored schemes run by the Horticulture Department. 

Similarly, to benefit from the National Horticulture Mission Scheme, farmers must register online on the MIDH Security Portal. According to information received from the department, individuals, farmer groups, and other eligible beneficiaries involved in fruit, vegetable, spice, flower, protected cultivation, and organic farming can register themselves online using their mobile phones. They can also register by visiting their nearest customer service center.

To register on the portal, farmers must have a mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card, bank account details, and land-related documents such as B-1 and Khasra copies. Departmental officials say this registration process has been made mandatory for the smooth implementation of schemes, transparency, and to ensure that grant funds are transferred directly to farmers' accounts through DBT. If farmers fail to register on time, they may lose out on the benefits of departmental schemes.

For any kind of information or technical assistance related to registration, farmers can contact the officials of the Horticulture Department of their development block. In Pathalgaon, the mobile number of Horticulture Development Officer Markush Ekka is 9424230605, Rural Horticulture Extension Officer Pushpendra Patel's number is 9098911638 and Field Advisor Surendra Kaivart's number is 8966877091. In Kansabel, Rural Horticulture Extension Officer Prakash Singh can be contacted on 9165427455 and Field Advisor Khomlal Sahu on 9589378417. In Farsabahar, Horticulture Officer Shivshankar Singh 7000857262 and Rural Horticulture Extension Officer Harish Manik 6267219350 are available. Surbala Paikra 6265358066 in Kunkuri, Pingal Kujur 7000877568 in Bagicha, Ganesh Baj 9098622839 and Santosh Chauhan 7000876091 in Manora, Anjana Khalkho 8305267055 and Santosh Chauhan 7000876091 in Duldula and Santosh Banjara 8518966692 in Jashpur can be contacted.

Jashpurnagar - Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai held a public hearing in his native village, Bagiya, late Thursday night to listen to the problems of ordinary citizens. A large number of villagers, women, farmers, and representatives of various social organizations attended the hearing with their demands and problems.

Chief Minister Sai listened to each applicant with seriousness and sensitivity and directed officials of the concerned departments to carefully examine all applications and ensure their prompt and quality resolution. He said that all public welfare schemes of the government are being implemented with the aim of providing convenience, development, and improving the standard of living of the common citizens. Therefore, the benefits of the schemes should reach every eligible beneficiary in a timely and transparent manner.

The Chief Minister urged officials to work with sensitivity, accountability, and promptness in resolving public issues, so that people do not face unnecessary difficulties. He clarified that timely resolution of public problems is the hallmark of good governance. Many applications received during the Jandarshan were promptly processed and resolved on the spot. The Chief Minister also provided necessary guidance to the concerned officials and instructed them to ensure the resolution of public interest matters on a priority basis. On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai, while interacting cordially with the villagers, expressed his deep sensitivity towards the public and resolving every citizen's problem is the government's top priority. Collector Rohit Vyas, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Lal Umed Singh, other departmental officials, public representatives, and a large number of villagers were present at the Jandarshan program.

Jashpurnagar . Chief Executive Officer, District Panchayat Abhishek Kumar today conducted a detailed review of the works being carried out under the Vikasit Bharat Gram Panchayat (VBGRAMG), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) in the District Panchayat meeting room. The Block Coordinators of the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme of all the Janpad Panchayats, Technical Assistants, Secretaries, Employment Assistants, Housing Friends and officials of the concerned departments were present in the meeting.

In the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer gave instructions regarding the progress of Gram Panchayat Development Plan, MIS, effective implementation of schemes in Gram Panchayats and completion of all activities within the stipulated time limit under VBGRAMG. He said that the ongoing works of previous years should be completed on priority basis, and employment should be provided by employing labourers in such works which can be done during the rainy season. Work should continue in all the Panchayats, for which all the officers/employees should work in coordination.

Reviewing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), he directed the timely construction of approved houses, completion of pending houses, geo-tagging, installment payments, and providing regular technical guidance to beneficiaries. He clarified that providing quality and timely housing to eligible beneficiaries is a top priority.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), progress on solid and liquid waste management, operation of community sanitation complexes, plastic waste management, sanitation activities, and maintaining cleanliness in gram panchayats was also reviewed in detail. He directed officials to increase public participation, transform cleanliness into a mass movement, and ensure a clean and healthy environment in every gram panchayat.

Instructions were given for recovery of pending taxes at the Gram Panchayat level and entry on the Samarth portal and emphasis was laid on depositing 100% tax on the basis of tax payers registered in the Gram Panchayat.

The Chief Executive Officer stated that all these schemes are the cornerstone of rural development. They should be effectively implemented in a quality manner, in accordance with the government's priorities. He directed all development blocks to conduct regular monitoring, field inspections, and continuous review of progress to ensure 100% achievement of set targets within the stipulated timeframe.

Jashpurnagar . In a significant achievement for the district in the field of health and medical education, medical education will begin in Jashpur from this session. In this context, the first autonomous committee (managing body) meeting for the operation of the Government Medical College, Kunkuri, was held today in the Collectorate meeting room, under the chairmanship of Surguja Division Commissioner Narendra Dugga.

The meeting reviewed the medical college's operations, infrastructure development, human resources, financial management, and preparations for starting MBBS studies this academic year. Collector Rohit Vyas, Medical College Dean Dr. S.P. Kujur, Medical Superintendent Dr. B.R. Singh, Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. G.S. Jatra, officials from the Medical Education Department, professors from the medical college, and officials from related departments were present.

MBBS studies will start on 50 seats from this session:

During the meeting, Commissioner Narendra Dugga informed that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted permission to the Government Medical College, Kunkuri, to open 50 MBBS seats starting this academic year. Once the counseling process begins in the next few weeks, 50 students will be admitted and regular academic activities will begin.

He said that this medical college is a historic achievement in the field of medical education for Jashpur district as well as the entire Surguja division. It will provide local students with the opportunity to receive quality medical education and will also strengthen the district's health services.

Preliminary arrangements will be made in the district hospital including the Polytechnic College:

The meeting was informed that until the construction of the permanent medical college building, the medical college will operate from the Polytechnic College, its hostel complex, the District Hospital, the Mother and Child Hospital, and the Critical Care Unit in Jhargaon. Land has already been identified and allotted for the permanent campus in the Charaidand, Mayali, and Khandsa Gram Panchayats. The Commissioner, after reviewing the available infrastructure, buildings, hostels, and other assets of the Polytechnic College, directed the prompt completion of necessary improvements and construction work to facilitate the operation of the medical college. Collector Rohit Vyas directed the concerned officials to ensure that all construction and infrastructure related to the medical college are completed within the stipulated timeframe, in accordance with the National Medical Commission's standards, so that students can begin their studies on time. Dean Dr. S.P. Kujur briefed the meeting on the current status of the lecture hall, dissection hall, laboratories, library, practical rooms, and other educational facilities. He stated that necessary improvements and construction work are being carried out at a rapid pace, and all arrangements will be completed soon.

Special emphasis on availability of human resources:

The meeting discussed in detail the availability of professors, assistant professors, resident doctors, clerical staff, paramedical staff, security personnel, and cleaning staff required for the successful operation of the medical college. Commissioner Dugga directed that the process of filling medical teaching positions be expedited. In the initial phase, the necessary clerical, paramedical, security, and cleaning staff should be arranged through a placement agency. He said that experienced staff should be given priority for the smooth completion of the admission process.

Discussion on effective functioning and financial transparency of the autonomous committee:

The meeting also discussed the effective implementation of the Medical College's Autonomous Committee's regulations and the improved management of the autonomous fund. The adoption of the Model Service Recruitment Rules 2019 (Revised 2020) was also discussed. The Commissioner stated that financial discipline is essential for the smooth, transparent, and accountable functioning of the institution. He directed that regular maintenance of bookkeeping, accounts, and financial records be ensured, and that continuous monitoring be maintained through the committee.

Hostel, furniture, vehicles and essential materials will be purchased soon:

The meeting also reviewed the availability of resident doctors' accommodation, vehicle arrangements, hostel beds, furniture, laboratory materials, educational equipment and other essential resources required for the medical college. Commissioner Dugga directed that a list of all the necessary materials be prepared and the procurement process be completed soon, so that there is no hindrance in the functioning of the medical college. It was also decided in the meeting that all the departments will work in coordination with each other and complete the preparations in a timely manner, so that the successful launch of quality medical education can be ensured in the Government Medical College, Kunkuri, from this academic session itself.

Jashpurnagar . Commissioner of Surguja Division Narendra Dugga today conducted a surprise inspection of various branches of the Collectorate office in Jashpur and took stock of the administrative functioning. During this, he laid special emphasis on the effective functioning of e-office, timely resolution of revenue and relief cases and providing digital services to the common citizens within the stipulated time frame. During the inspection, Collector Rohit Vyas, Additional Collector Pradeep Sahu, Deputy Commissioner Sharda Agarwal along with the concerned officers and employees were present.

All files should be handled through e-office only:

Commissioner Dugga began his inspection at the Collectorate's Superintendent's Branch. Here, he observed the file processing process operated through the e-office system and inquired about its functioning from officials. He gave clear instructions that, in accordance with the government's intention, the handling and movement of all government files should be ensured only through e-office, so that transparency, accountability, and timeliness are maintained. He said that the digital system will eliminate unnecessary file delays and make it possible to effectively monitor work at every level.

Resolve disaster relief cases within the time limit:

Commissioner Dugga then inspected the Additional Collector's Courtroom. He obtained detailed information on disaster relief cases under Revenue Book Circular (RBC) 6-4 and reviewed pending files. During the inspection, he expressed displeasure with the concerned reader over the slow movement of files and the lack of progress in resolving cases. He directed that relief-related cases be resolved on a priority basis, ensuring prompt and quality resolution, so that eligible beneficiaries can receive timely assistance. During the inspection, the Commissioner also reviewed various revenue cases. He directed officials to ensure timely resolution of pending cases in the revenue courts and to eliminate unnecessary delays by regularly reviewing each case. He stated that the prompt resolution of cases concerning ordinary citizens is the hallmark of good governance.

Arrangement of digital services tested at Seva Setu Centre:

Commissioner Dugga also inspected the Seva Setu Center located in the Collectorate complex. He inquired about the online services available there, the application process, and the facilities being provided to citizens. He directed that all digital services available through Seva Setu be made available to the general public within the stipulated timeframe and that no application be kept pending unnecessarily. He said that Seva Setu is a strong medium of trust between the government and the public, and that citizens should receive simple, transparent, and prompt services through it.

Review of works also taken in Relief and Complaint Branch:

During the inspection, the Commissioner inspected the Relief and Grievance Branch and reviewed the complaints received and pending cases. He instructed the officials to resolve all complaints and relief-related matters with sensitivity and seriousness, so that common citizens can get justice and relief in time. The Commissioner said that the government's priority is to provide quick, transparent and accountable administration to the citizens. For this, all officers and employees should work with full responsibility and commitment while adhering to the time limit.

Jashpurnagar . Commissioner of Surguja Division Narendra Dugga today conducted a surprise inspection of various branches of the Collectorate office in Jashpur and took stock of the administrative functioning. During this, he laid special emphasis on the effective functioning of e-office, timely resolution of revenue and relief cases and providing digital services to the common citizens within the stipulated time frame. During the inspection, Collector Rohit Vyas, Additional Collector Pradeep Sahu, Deputy Commissioner Sharda Agarwal along with the concerned officers and employees were present.

All files should be handled through e-office only:

Commissioner Dugga began his inspection at the Collectorate's Superintendent's Branch. Here, he observed the file processing process operated through the e-office system and inquired about its functioning from officials. He gave clear instructions that, in accordance with the government's intention, the handling and movement of all government files should be ensured only through e-office, so that transparency, accountability, and timeliness are maintained. He said that the digital system will eliminate unnecessary file delays and make it possible to effectively monitor work at every level.

Resolve disaster relief cases within the time limit:

Commissioner Dugga then inspected the Additional Collector's Courtroom. He obtained detailed information on disaster relief cases under Revenue Book Circular (RBC) 6-4 and reviewed pending files. During the inspection, he expressed displeasure with the concerned reader over the slow movement of files and the lack of progress in resolving cases. He directed that relief-related cases be resolved on a priority basis, ensuring prompt and quality resolution, so that eligible beneficiaries can receive timely assistance. During the inspection, the Commissioner also reviewed various revenue cases. He directed officials to ensure timely resolution of pending cases in the revenue courts and to eliminate unnecessary delays by regularly reviewing each case. He stated that the prompt resolution of cases concerning ordinary citizens is the hallmark of good governance.

Arrangement of digital services tested at Seva Setu Centre:

Commissioner Dugga also inspected the Seva Setu Center located in the Collectorate complex. He inquired about the online services available there, the application process, and the facilities being provided to citizens. He directed that all digital services available through Seva Setu be made available to the general public within the stipulated timeframe and that no application be kept pending unnecessarily. He said that Seva Setu is a strong medium of trust between the government and the public, and that citizens should receive simple, transparent, and prompt services through it.

Review of works also taken in Relief and Complaint Branch:

During the inspection, the Commissioner inspected the Relief and Grievance Branch and reviewed the complaints received and pending cases. He instructed the officials to resolve all complaints and relief-related matters with sensitivity and seriousness, so that common citizens can get justice and relief in time. The Commissioner said that the government's priority is to provide quick, transparent and accountable administration to the citizens. For this, all officers and employees should work with full responsibility and commitment while adhering to the time limit.

Jashpurnagar . Under the guidance of District Collector Rohit Vyas, the start of the 2026-27 academic year was celebrated with festivities. A district-level school admissions festival was held today.

Salik Sai, Chairman of the District Panchayat, Jashpur, was the chief guest at the event. Special guests included Shambhu Nath Chakraborty, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Mati Kala Board, Arvind Kumar Bhagat, Chairman of the Municipal Council, Jashpur, Ganga Ram Bhagat, Chairman of the District Panchayat, Jashpur, Alok Sarathi, Raju Gupta, former Municipal Council President, Vijay Sahay, and councilors Shailendra Yadav.

The program began with garlanding a photograph of Goddess Saraswati, lighting a lamp, and reciting Saraswati Vandana. The students of Saraswati Shishu Mandir performed a welcome song. On this occasion, guests greeted students from Classes 1, 6, and 9 by applying tilak, garlanding them with flowers, offering sweets, and providing them with new books and school uniforms, and conveying their best wishes for their education.

The students of SEJAS Hindi Medium School and the students of Maharani Lakshmibai Girls Higher Secondary School, Jashpur presented dances based on songs on education.

Chief guest Salik Sai, while highlighting the importance of education, inspired the children to study diligently. Vice President Shambhunath Chakraborty, citing the example of Guru Drona and Eklavya, talked about maintaining continuity in education to acquire life-useful education as per Indian culture. Special guest Arvind Kumar Bhagat told about the successes achieved in government, private and political sectors after attaining various stages of education. Ganga Ram Bhagat urged the children to respect their parents along with education.

District Education Officer Narendra Kumar Sinha read the report of the admissions festival and provided information about departmental schemes. Free bicycles were also distributed to 9th-grade girl students under the Saraswati Cycle Scheme.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Vinay Kumar Sinha. APC Deepa Gupta, programmer Arun Chandra, Kalpana Toppo, Block Education Officer Jashpur Tumnu Goswami, ABO Jashpur Jayes Topno, lecturers Setram Patel, Virendra Kumar Sinha, Ganesh Kumar Sinha, Rajesh Kumar Ambasht, Principal Sejas Rosalia Dungdung, Sanjay Prasad, and Ajay Kumar Choubey made special contributions to making the program a success.

Raipur. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emerged as a strong foundation for better health, nutrition, and safe motherhood for mothers and newborns in Chhattisgarh. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is ensuring effective implementation of the scheme, providing financial assistance to millions of eligible women during pregnancy and childbirth.

The positive results of the scheme are clearly visible in various districts of the state. Mrs. Saraswati Nande of Kosmi village in the Chhura development block of Gariaband district has also benefited from this scheme. Mrs. Saraswati received a financial assistance of 5,000 rupees under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. She explained that this amount significantly helped her in providing better nutrition, essential health care, and upbringing to her child. The timely financial assistance reduced the financial burden on the family and made it easier to meet the newborn's needs. Mrs. Saraswati expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, and Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade for this public welfare scheme.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, eligible pregnant and lactating women are provided financial assistance of ₹5,000 for their first child, as per prescribed conditions. If the second child is a girl, additional benefits are provided under prescribed provisions. The objective of the scheme is to encourage pregnant women to have better nutrition, regular health checkups, institutional delivery, and proper care of the newborn.

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade stated that Chhattisgarh is among the leading states in the country in the successful implementation of the scheme. So far, more than 14.49 lakh women have benefited from the scheme, and assistance of more than ₹558.93 crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts. This achievement demonstrates the state government's commitment to maternal and child health.

The Women and Child Development Department is continuously providing timely registration, necessary guidance, and scheme information to eligible women through Anganwadi centers. The department has appealed to all eligible pregnant and lactating women to register at their nearest Anganwadi center within the stipulated timeframe to avail the benefits of the scheme.

Raipur. The benefit of the highest remuneration of Rs 5,500 per standard bag in the country given to tendu leaf collectors by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai is now reaching thousands of families in the forest areas. In Kabirdham district, not only the target was achieved in the tendu leaf collection season of the year 2026, but 40 thousand 234 standard bags of tendu leaves were collected, registering 100.34 percent achievement. More than 32 thousand collectors participated in the collection work, who were paid a remuneration of about Rs 22 crore 5 lakh. This amount is becoming an economic support for the forest dependent families and is giving new strength to their livelihood. 

The harvesting process was successfully completed in 24 lots across 19 primary minor forest produce cooperative societies under the District Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Union, Kawardha. The increased remuneration rates and timely payments have strengthened the economic situation of forest-dwelling families. Farmers are using this money for farming, children's education, household needs, and other essential purposes.

The increased remuneration changed the financial condition of the family

Mrs. Nandani Maravi, a resident of the forest village Lokhan in Kabirdham district, is one of the thousands of collectors whose families have gained new economic strength from tendu leaf collection. Her husband, Mr. Shivkumar Maravi, works as a farmer and as a labourer. The seven-member family owns about three acres of agricultural land, where paddy and gram are cultivated. Apart from this, one acre of land has also been obtained under forest rights lease. Nandani Maravi says that the family has benefited from government schemes like ration card, Ayushman card, Ujjwala gas connection and MNREGA job card. Now tendu leaf collection has also become an important source of the family's income.

Nandani Maravi says that as soon as the tendu leaf collection season begins, the entire family gets involved. Previously, the income was low compared to the labor, but now, receiving ₹5,500 per standard sack has increased their income. This money helps them buy seeds, fertilizers, and other farming materials. Children's education, household expenses, and other necessities are easily met. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, Nandani Maravi says that the increased wage rate has not only provided financial support to forest dweller families but has also brought respect to their hard work. According to her, tendu leaf collection is no longer just seasonal employment, but has become a strong foundation for the family's economic security, self-reliance, and a better future.