Raipur, July 2026 / Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday attended the prayer meeting – Dashgatra of world-renowned Pandavani exponent Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan late Dr Teejan Bai at her native village Ganiyari in Durg district, where he announced a series of measures to preserve her legacy.

The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to her portrait, expressed condolences to her bereaved family and met her son Shri Dilharan Pardhi and other family members.

Announcing initiatives in her memory, the Chief Minister said the state government will institute the ‘Dr Teejan Bai Lok Kala Alankaran’, to be conferred annually during the Rajyotsava on artists for outstanding contributions to folk art. He also announced that the Government Higher Secondary School in Ganiyari will be renamed after late Dr Teejan Bai so that students can draw inspiration from her life and achievements.

Shri Sai said the state government would permanently preserve the memories of the legendary folk artiste by keeping her Tambura, the symbol of her lifelong artistic journey, in the museum at Raipur with due honour, enabling future generations to connect with her invaluable cultural legacy.

Describing late Dr Teejan Bai as a cultural icon of not just Chhattisgarh but the entire country, Shri Sai said she took the state’s folk tradition to the global stage through her exceptional talent, lifelong dedication and the Kapalik style of Pandavani. He said her contribution to folk art and culture would continue to inspire future generations.

The prayer meeting was also addressed by MP Shri Vijay Baghel, Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, and MLA Padma Shri Shri Anuj Sharma, who paid tribute to late Dr Teejan Bai and recalled her unparalleled contribution to folk art. Those present observed a two-minute silence in her memory.

Among those present were Padma Shri Shri R.S. Barle, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, MLA Shri Doman Lal Korsewada, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation chairperson Ms Mona Sen, artists from across the state, local panchayat representatives and a large number of citizens.

Incentive remuneration transferred directly to accounts through digital and transparent system, providing new support to livelihood of tribal families and rural economy

Raipur, July 2026. In line with the wishes of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, taking an important step towards the economic empowerment of forest dwellers and tendu leaf collector families, the incentive remuneration (bonus) amount for tendu leaf collection for the year 2023 was paid online. An amount of Rs 1 crore 39 lakh 36 thousand 718 was transferred directly to the bank accounts of 10 thousand 160 beneficiaries of 9 primary minor forest produce cooperative societies through the Pendra Road District Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Union under the Marwahi Forest Division of Gaurela Pendra Marwahi district through the MFP Collection and Payment System.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is continuously working to strengthen the livelihoods of forest communities, provide them timely financial assistance, and strengthen the minor forest produce-based economy. In this sequence, bonus amount was distributed in the district on the basis of collection of 6593 standard bags of tendu leaves. Since the entire payment process was completed through digital and transparent means, the beneficiaries received the amount directly in their bank accounts without any delay, which has created an atmosphere of happiness among the collectors.

This campaign, conducted under the guidance of the Divisional Forest Officer and Ex-Officio Managing Director, Mrs. Grishmi Chand, has provided financial relief to thousands of forest-dwelling families. Beneficiaries will be able to use the bonus funds for agricultural purposes, children's education, health, and other essential household needs, which will positively improve their standard of living.

It is noteworthy that the remuneration for tendu leaf collection for the year 2023 had already been paid at the rate of Rs. 4,000 per standard bag. Now, with the payment of the incentive (bonus), tendu leaf collectors have received additional financial support. This will not only strengthen the economic situation of forest-dwelling families but will also give a new impetus to the rural economy.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the benefits of the state government's public welfare and beneficiary-focused policies are reaching the last person in society. Providing bonus funds to tendu leaf collectors in a timely and transparent manner is a powerful example of this commitment, adding a new chapter of prosperity and self-reliance to the lives of the forest-dwelling community.

Dr. Mamta Sahu took charge of Chhattisgarh State Women's Commission.

Raipur, July 2026/ Dr. Mamta Sahu, appointed by the Chhattisgarh Government, formally assumed charge as the Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Women's Commission on Tuesday.

While assuming charge in a dignified programme organised at the State Women Commission office located at Shastri Chowk, she expressed her resolve to work with full commitment for the protection of women's rights, quick resolution of their problems and women empowerment.

After assuming office, Dr. Mamta Sahu introduced herself to the Commission's officers and employees and expected everyone to work with dedication, transparency, and sensitivity. She also inspected the Commission's various rooms and observed the office arrangements.

In her address, she stated that the Chhattisgarh State Women's Commission will work with complete sensitivity and accountability to provide justice to women, effectively and timely resolve their complaints, and protect their dignity and rights. She added that the Commission will play an active role in matters related to women's interests and will continuously strive to empower them.

Chhattisgarh Handicraft Development Board Chairperson Mrs. Shalini Rajput, State Women Commission Member Mrs. Sarla Kosaria, Municipal Corporation Raipur Councillors Mahesh Dhruv, Durgesh Rao, Mrs. Rajni Shengde, Jitendra Sahu, Krishna Sahu, Mrs. Seema Dahariya, Geetesh Sahu along with the Commission's Secretary, Assistant Director, Accountant and other officers and employees were present in the program.

The courage of the security forces, local public cooperation and rehabilitation policy led to decisive success – Chief Minister

Road, education, health, housing and public welfare schemes have reached remote areas, people's trust in the government has increased - Chief Minister Shri Sai

Steps are being taken rapidly towards making Bastar the leading tribal division of the country: Chief Minister

Special focus on overall development of tourism, livelihood, education, health and infrastructure through Bastar Roadmap 2.0 – Chief Minister Shri Sai

Raipur, July 2026/ Expressing gratitude to the Central Government for its historic support in the fight against Naxalism in the Chhattisgarh Assembly today, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that Chhattisgarh has faced a serious challenge in the form of Naxal violence for decades. Now, through the coordinated efforts of the Central and State Governments, the indomitable courage of the security forces, and the trust and cooperation of the people of Bastar, the state has decisively freed itself from this challenge and has entered a new era of peace, security, and development. He said that this success is the result of many years of continuous efforts, a well-planned strategy, the bravery of the security forces, and the cooperation of the common citizens.

Paying humble tribute to the martyred soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the fight against Naxalism, the Chief Minister said that their sacrifice and dedication will always inspire the nation. He praised the courage, dedication and professionalism of the Central Armed Police Forces, Chhattisgarh Police, District Police Forces, Special Security Units and all the security agencies involved in the operation.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government adopted a coordinated security and development strategy for Naxal-affected areas. Under the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, continuous review of security operations, availability of resources, and better coordination between the Central and State governments ensured the desired momentum in the campaign.

He said that a time-bound action plan for the complete eradication of Naxalism was developed following a high-level meeting of Directors General of Police of Naxal-affected states held in Raipur on August 24, 2024. In line with this, security operations were accelerated and development work was also expanded simultaneously.

He said the state government also regularly reviewed the operation. He personally visited the Bastar region frequently to encourage security forces and interact with local citizens by visiting various villages.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that, in addition to security operations, the state government has placed special emphasis on integrating into the mainstream society those who have expressed a desire to abandon the path of violence and embrace normal life. To this end, a comprehensive and humane policy has been implemented for the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites.

He said that under the rehabilitation policy, surrendered individuals were provided with financial assistance, land, skill development training, self-employment, and opportunities for a dignified life. This has led a large number of people to abandon the path of violence and return to mainstream society. The Chief Minister said that this policy is not limited to rehabilitation alone, but is also an important initiative towards establishing lasting peace in society.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai stated in the Assembly that the campaign to eradicate Naxalism was not limited to security alone, but that development was also given equal priority. The state government ensured that government schemes and infrastructure also reached areas where security was being strengthened, bringing lasting and positive change to people's lives.

Raipur । Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday told the Chhattisgarh Assembly that after suffering decades of Maoist violence that disrupted development, education and normal life, Bastar has entered a new phase of peace, security and inclusive growth through coordinated efforts of the Centre and the state, the courage of security forces and the support of local communities. 

Extending gratitude to the Union government for its support, he said the success was the result of a sustained strategy combining security operations with development initiatives, while paying tribute to security personnel who laid down their lives in the anti-Maoist campaign. He also praised the Central Armed Police Forces, Chhattisgarh Police, district police, special security units and other agencies for their professionalism and dedication.

Shri Sai said the Centre, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, adopted an integrated security-and-development strategy for Maoist-affected regions, while Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ensured regular review of operations, better coordination and adequate resources. Following a high-level meeting of police chiefs of Maoist-affected states in Raipur on August 24, 2024, a time-bound action plan was implemented. Alongside intensified security operations, the state introduced a comprehensive rehabilitation policy offering financial assistance, land, skill training and self-employment opportunities to surrendered Maoists, encouraging many to return to the mainstream. Chief Minister said the government simultaneously expanded welfare schemes and infrastructure in areas where security improved, laying the foundation for lasting peace and public confidence.

Shri Sai said the government's focus has now shifted to the long-term development of Bastar through 'Bastar Roadmap 2.0', aimed at transforming the region into the country's leading tribal division. Under 'Niyad Nellanar 2.0' and the 'Bastar Munne Abhiyan' a total 31 government schemes and 14 community services are being implemented in saturation mode, benefiting over 39 lakh people across 5,542 villages. Security camps are being developed into 'Shaheed Gundadhur Seva Deras', serving as integrated centres for public services, livelihoods and citizen welfare.

Chief Minister said the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan has completed health screening of over 34 lakh people, creating digital health profiles to improve healthcare delivery. Under the Niyad Nellanar scheme, 43 individual and community welfare schemes across 17 departments have been implemented in 525 villages located within a 10-km radius of security camps, strengthening public trust in governance.

Highlighting welfare achievements, Shri Sai said 6.79 lakh ration cards, 17 lakh Jan Dhan accounts, 24.66 lakh Aadhaar cards, 22 lakh Ayushman cards, 1.18 lakh individual forest rights titles, and 3.89 lakh Kisan Credit Cards have been issued in Bastar division.

He said 1.76 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas houses have been sanctioned in Bastar, besides 15,000 houses for families affected by Maoist violence and surrendered Maoists. Of the 458 schools that had shut down in 240 Maoist-affected villages, a total 421 schools have reopened, while 36 new schools have been sanctioned.

The Chief Minister said work on the Rs 3,513-crore Jagdalpur-Raoghat rail project is progressing, air connectivity at Jagdalpur has been expanded, and the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway is nearing completion, which is expected to boost connectivity, tourism, trade and investment.

Skill development centres are now operational in all blocks of Bastar to improve youth employability. The government has also organised Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, with participation of over four lakh people, to promote sports, culture and social cohesion.

Shri Sai also acknowledged the contribution of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, and Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Singh Deo in the campaign against Maoism. He said the government's objective extends beyond infrastructure creation to ensuring lasting improvements in the quality of life through an integrated strategy of security, development and public welfare.

Raipur, July 14, 2026 : In a significant step towards strengthening the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, the Chhattisgarh government has disbursed more than ₹1.39 crore as incentive bonus to 10,160 tendu leaf collectors through a fully digital Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.

The initiative, undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, aims to provide timely financial support to tribal families while promoting transparency and efficiency in the state's minor forest produce procurement system.

The incentive pertains to the 2023 tendu leaf collection season and has been credited directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Collection and Payment System. The payment was made through the Pendra Road District Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Union under the Marwahi Forest Division in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, covering beneficiaries from nine primary minor forest produce cooperative societies.

A total of ₹1,39,36,718 was transferred directly to eligible collectors, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring a transparent and time-bound payment process.

According to the state government, the incentive was released based on the collection of 6,593 standard bags of tendu leaves during the 2023 season. The digital transfer ensured that beneficiaries received the funds directly into their bank accounts without delays, enhancing financial security for thousands of tribal households.

The campaign was implemented under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer and Ex-Officio Managing Director Grishmi Chand. Officials said the bonus amount is expected to support families in meeting essential expenses such as agriculture, children's education, healthcare, and household needs, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

The government noted that collectors had already received the standard procurement payment of ₹4,000 per standard bag for the 2023 collection season. The newly released incentive bonus provides additional financial support and is expected to further strengthen the rural and forest-based economy.

The Chhattisgarh government said the initiative reflects its commitment to inclusive development, transparent governance, and the economic empowerment of tribal communities. By ensuring direct and timely payments, the state aims to enhance the sustainability of forest-based livelihoods while improving the welfare of tendu leaf collectors across the region.

Raipur, July 14, 2026: In a significant development for women's welfare and institutional governance in Chhattisgarh, Dr. Mamta Sahu on Tuesday formally assumed charge as the Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women. Her appointment marks a renewed emphasis on strengthening mechanisms for women's rights, ensuring timely justice, and promoting gender empowerment across the state.

The formal charge-taking ceremony was held at the Commission's headquarters near Shastri Chowk in Raipur, where Dr. Sahu reaffirmed her commitment to protecting women's rights, ensuring prompt resolution of grievances, and making the Commission more accessible, transparent, and responsive.

Addressing officials and staff after assuming office, Dr. Sahu stressed that the Commission would function with sensitivity, accountability, and transparency, placing the interests of women at the centre of its work. She called upon officers and employees to uphold these values while dealing with complaints and welfare initiatives.

Following the ceremony, Dr. Sahu interacted with the Commission's officers and staff and conducted an inspection of various sections of the office to review administrative arrangements and operational preparedness.

In her first official remarks as Chairperson, she said the Commission would work proactively to ensure that women receive timely justice, effective redressal of complaints, and protection of their constitutional and legal rights. She also emphasized that the institution would play a more active role in advancing women's empowerment through responsive governance and stronger institutional support.

The oath-taking and charge assumption ceremony was attended by Shalini Rajput, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board; Sarla Kosaria, Member of the State Commission for Women; Raipur Municipal Corporation councillors Mahesh Dhruv, Durgesh Rao, Rajni Shengde, Jitendra Sahu, Krishna Sahu, Seema Dahariya, and Gitesh Sahu, along with the Commission's Secretary, Assistant Director, Accounts Officer, and other officials.

Raipur । Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday attended the prayer meeting – Dashgatra of world-renowned Pandavani exponent Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan late Dr Teejan Bai at her native village Ganiyari in Durg district, where he announced a series of measures to preserve her legacy. 

The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to her portrait, expressed condolences to her bereaved family and met her son Shri Dilharan Pardhi and other family members.

Announcing initiatives in her memory, the Chief Minister said the state government will institute the 'Dr Teejan Bai Lok Kala Alankaran', to be conferred annually during the Rajyotsava on artists for outstanding contributions to folk art. He also announced that the Government Higher Secondary School in Ganiyari will be renamed after late Dr Teejan Bai so that students can draw inspiration from her life and achievements.

Shri Sai said the state government would permanently preserve the memories of the legendary folk artiste by keeping her Tambura, the symbol of her lifelong artistic journey, in the museum at Raipur with due honour, enabling future generations to connect with her invaluable cultural legacy.

Describing late Dr Teejan Bai as a cultural icon of not just Chhattisgarh but the entire country, Shri Sai said she took the state's folk tradition to the global stage through her exceptional talent, lifelong dedication and the Kapalik style of Pandavani. He said her contribution to folk art and culture would continue to inspire future generations.

The prayer meeting was also addressed by MP Shri Vijay Baghel, Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, and MLA Padma Shri Shri Anuj Sharma, who paid tribute to late Dr Teejan Bai and recalled her unparalleled contribution to folk art. Those present observed a two-minute silence in her memory.

Among those present were Padma Shri Shri R.S. Barle, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, MLA Shri Doman Lal Korsewada, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation chairperson Ms Mona Sen, artists from across the state, local panchayat representatives and a large number of citizens.

Raipur, July 14, 2026 : In a significant welfare-oriented decision, the Government of Chhattisgarh has initiated the process of formulating a new compassionate appointment policy for the dependents of deceased employees of the defunct State Transport Corporation, now under the Chhattisgarh Infrastructure Development Corporation (CIDC).

The move, initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is aimed at providing long-awaited relief to families whose compassionate appointment applications have remained pending for years due to administrative and structural constraints.

To draft the new policy, the General Administration Department has constituted a seven-member inter-departmental committee, chaired by the Secretary of the General Administration Department. The committee has been directed to submit its recommendations to the state government within one month.

Need for a New Policy

According to the General Administration Department, dependents of deceased employees were previously offered compassionate appointments as Shiksha Karmi (Grade III). However, after the abolition of the Shiksha Karmi cadre, the Water Resources Department issued an order on December 13, 2022, allowing compassionate appointments against vacant Class III and Class IV posts in CIDC.

In practice, the absence of adequate vacancies in CIDC resulted in a large number of applications remaining unresolved for years, leaving several bereaved families in financial distress.

Committee to Recommend a Permanent Solution

Recognising the humanitarian nature of the issue, judicial observations, and the need to safeguard employee welfare, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai directed the state administration to formulate a comprehensive and sustainable policy.

The newly constituted committee will examine all legal, administrative, and financial aspects before submitting its report. Based on its recommendations, the proposed policy will be placed before the State Cabinet for approval. Once approved, the policy will be formally notified and implemented.

Focus on Social Security and Employee Welfare

The state government has stated that its primary objective is to ensure that the families of deceased employees do not face prolonged financial hardship due to delays in compassionate appointments.

The proposed policy is expected to facilitate the disposal of long-pending cases, provide eligible dependents with timely employment opportunities, and strengthen the state's commitment to employee welfare and social security.

Raipur . The Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become a historic initiative towards women's empowerment in Chhattisgarh. Run under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, this scheme not only provides financial assistance to women but also empowers them to live a self-reliant, confident, and respectable life. Under the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, the department is ensuring the effective implementation of the scheme, the positive results of which are visible in every district of the state today.

With the release of the 29th installment of the scheme on July 11, 2026, assistance of Rs 1,000 each was directly transferred to the bank accounts of lakhs of eligible women in the state. Since the inception of the scheme, more than Rs 18,805 crore has been made available to women directly in their accounts through 29 installments. Giving top priority to the economic empowerment of women, the state government has made a provision of Rs 8,200 crore for the scheme in the budget for the financial year 2026-27.

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade said that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is not only empowering women economically but also elevating their self-respect and self-confidence. She said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the state government is continuously working for the all-round development of women. By receiving regular financial support through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, women are playing an effective role in the economic responsibilities of their families and are able to pay more attention to the education, health and nutrition of their children.

The responses received from across the state are telling a strong story of the success of this scheme. Mrs. Devaki Vishwakarma, a resident of village Baghmara in Balod district, uses the money received from the scheme for household expenses, children's education, purchase of medicines and sewing-embroidery work. Mrs. Jamwanti Vishwakarma says that this amount has become a strong financial support for her family every month. Mrs. Radhika Sonwani says that with the help of the scheme, she is able to pay her children's school fees on time, which has reduced the financial burden on the family.

According to Mrs. Jyoti Pandey of Jashpur district, she no longer has to depend on anyone for even small needs. Mrs. Rehana Khatoon started her own small home-based business with the funds received from the scheme and today, she is earning her own income and strengthening her family's financial situation. Mrs. Kavita Sharma and Mrs. Anju Sharma say that the regular assistance has given them the confidence to become self-reliant and provided a new foundation for living a life of dignity. Similarly, Mrs. Basanti Dhurve of Dumaria village in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district says that receiving the 29th installment of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana has significantly helped in meeting household needs. She believes that this scheme not only provides financial support to women, but also inspires them to move forward and become self-reliant.

The most important aspect of the scheme is that the monthly assistance given to women is strengthening their ability to take economic decisions. This has increased women's participation in families, has had a positive impact on children's education and health, and has also encouraged a culture of small-scale self-employment and savings. Millions of beneficiary women of the state have expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai and Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade and said that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana has become a new foundation of respect, self-confidence and economic security in their lives.

Chief Minister Sai expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Union Health Minister Nadda.Raipur (VNS). The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved the establishment of five new government medical colleges with 50 MBBS seats each in Geedam (Dantewada), Kunkuri (Jashpur), Manendragarh, Janjgir-Champa, and Kabirdham, starting with the 2026-27 academic year. This will expand the state's total MBBS seats to 250.

Raipur . A major administrative reshuffle has been carried out in the police department with the aim of strengthening the law and order in the capital Raipur. Along with the new postings of station in-charges, new responsibilities have also been fixed at the DCP level in Raipur Police Commissionerate. In this regard, Police Commissioner Dr. Sanjeev Shukla has issued orders for the transfer of station in-charges, while the Home Department has issued a notification for new postings at the DCP level.

According to the order issued, Kotwali police station in-charge Satish Gaharwar has been given the additional charge of Anti Crime and Cyber ​​Unit (ACCU). Rajesh Singh has been appointed as Azad Chowk police station in-charge, Paras Patel as Saraswati Nagar police station in-charge and Narendra Sahu as Gudhiyari police station in-charge.

Meanwhile, new responsibilities have also been assigned at the DCP level within the Raipur Police Commissionerate. Deepmala Kashyap has been appointed DCP of Raipur North Zone, Tarkeshwar Patel has been appointed DCP of Raipur Central Zone, and Archana Jha has been appointed DCP of Traffic and Protocol.
The police department believes that these administrative changes will help in making law and order more effective, controlling crime and strengthening the policing system.

Raipur: During his visit to Kanker, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Kanker district, Shri Arun Saw, inaugurated the newly constructed tehsil office building in Sarona. He inspected various rooms of the office and also planted a tree on the premises. MP Shri Bhojraj Nag and MLA Shri Asharam Netam were also present.

The Public Works Department constructed a new building for the Tehsil office at a cost of ₹63.81 million. This well-equipped building has 10 rooms where various branches will operate. Present at the inauguration ceremony were Mrs. Shalini Rajput, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Board, Mrs. Tara Thakur, Vice Chairperson of the Kanker District Panchayat, Mr. Arun Kaushik, Municipal Council President, and Mr. Haresh Mandavi, CEO of the District Panchayat. Numerous public representatives and dignitaries were also present.

Raipur: Sunday turned out to be a historic day for 4,691 sugarcane farmers associated with the Bhoramdev Cooperative Sugar Production Factory. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma distributed share certificates to these farmers, who had been waiting to become shareholder members for years, while making them new shareholder members. While handing over the certificates to the farmers at the farmers' seminar and certificate distribution ceremony held at the PG College Dome in Kawardha, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma said that this initiative is an important step towards increasing the income of the farmers by connecting them with the strong partnership of cooperatives and giving a new impetus to sugarcane production in the region.

Share certificates were distributed to 4,691 sugarcane farmers today.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sharma said that today share certificates were given to 4 thousand 691 farmers who sold sugarcane in Bhoramdev Sugar Factory, who were not shareholder members till now. He said that these farmers have made a significant contribution in taking the factory forward even without becoming shareholders. Respecting this contribution, they have been made shareholder members of the factory today. He told that in the last crushing season, 2 lakh 55 thousand 818 metric tonnes of sugarcane was crushed in the factory. Currently, the factory has about 23 thousand shareholders. At the same time, 4,691 non-shareholder farmers had also sold sugarcane. These same farmers have now been granted membership of the factory by giving them share certificates.

*Positive efforts also to increase sugarcane bonus*

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that this factory is the farmers' own factory, and the responsibility to grow it lies with the farmers. He added that if farmers pledge to supply 4.5 lakh metric tons of sugarcane this year, the factory will become even stronger. This will increase farmers' chances of receiving timely FRP payments, better recovery, and higher dividends in the future. He also called for positive efforts to increase the sugarcane bonus.

*Shareholder members will be able to avail other facilities by selling sugarcane*

The Deputy Chief Minister urged farmers to produce more sugarcane, encourage new farmers to sign contracts, and actively participate in strengthening the factory. He said that by becoming new shareholder members, farmers will now be able to regularly sell sugarcane to the Bhoramdev Cooperative Sugar Factory, as well as benefit from other facilities available to shareholder members. This will also help the factory in providing sufficient sugarcane to meet its crushing targets, further strengthening its production capacity and operations in the future.

*Farmers urged to move towards natural and organic farming*

Emphasizing natural farming, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the three main forms of farming are chemical, organic, and natural. He explained that natural farming does not require chemical fertilizers and is being successfully practiced in many areas of Chhattisgarh. He urged farmers to move towards natural and organic farming so that their products can reach national and international markets.

Mr. Sharma stated that experts will provide guidance to farmers on the NPOP certification required for the export of organic products at the Kawardha MLA's office on July 17, 18, and 19. Urging farmers to take advantage of this opportunity, he said everyone must work together to gain recognition for Kabirdham's  agricultural products in the national and international markets.

*Decision to make non-shareholder farmers new shareholder members in the crushing season 2025-26*

Sugarcane farmers in the region had long demanded the addition of new shareholder members. Addressing this demand, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma directed the factory management to develop a plan. Following this, the district administration, factory management, local public representatives, and representatives from both farmers' unions in the district jointly developed an action plan. Under this plan, sugarcane was purchased from non-shareholder farmers in the 2025-26 crushing season, and a decision was made to enroll them as new shareholder members.

Chhattisgarh Farmers Welfare Board Chairman Mr. Suresh Chandravanshi, District Panchayat Chairman Mr. Ishwari Sahu, Vice Chairman Mr. Kailash Chandravanshi, Factory Managing Director Mr. G.S. Sharma, General Manager Mr. Ankit Markam, representatives of farmers' associations, factory shareholder members, farmers, officers and employees were present in the program.

Raipur: Under the Chhattisgarh  government 's ambitious Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai transferred the 29th installment of the scheme directly into the bank accounts of women. Beneficiary women in Balod district were overjoyed after receiving the funds. The women expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister, calling the scheme an important initiative that provides economic support.

Women from various villages in Balod district reported that the monthly funds received through the scheme are playing a vital role in meeting their family's needs. They are providing financial assistance for children's education,  health , household needs, and small self-employment projects. The scheme has boosted women's self-confidence and empowered them financially.

Helpful in medicines, school fees, daily expenses

Mrs. Devaki Vishwakarma of village Baghmara stated that she has received the 29th installment. She uses this amount for daily household expenses, her children's education, purchasing medicines, and sewing. Mrs. Jamwanti Vishwakarma of village Jagannathpur stated that this monthly assistance has become a major support for her family. Meanwhile, Mrs. Radhika Sonwani of village Orma stated that she is able to pay her children's school fees with the funds received under the scheme, which has provided financial relief to her family.

A strong foundation for living a life with dignity in adverse circumstances

The beneficiary women thanked Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai by showing the message of the amount received on their mobile phones. He said that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is making women financially self-reliant, providing a strong foundation for family support, children's education, and living a respectable life in adverse circumstances.