Raipur. The Gram Sabhas to be held in Raipur on August 20 will not be mere formal meetings this time, but will become a medium to decide the direction of development of villages.

Important proposals related to rural development will be discussed in the Gram Sabhas organized for the effective implementation of Vikasit Bharat-Employment and Livelihood Guarantee Mission (Gramin) i.e. VB-GRAMJI.

Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai has already clarified that all development works to be undertaken under the scheme will be selected with the approval of the Gram Sabha.

The state will receive around Rs 6,855 crore through MNREGA and VB-Giramji in the financial year 2026-27, which is considered to be the biggest financial investment ever in the field of rural development.

In Gram Sabhas, villagers will be informed about the scheme's provisions, rights, benefits, and permitted works. Development works for the upcoming financial year will be selected and approved based on local needs and demand from villagers.

There will also be a special discussion on the "My Daughter, My Pride" campaign launched by the Chief Minister. This campaign, which will run from August 15, 2026, to January 26, 2027, will include works such as the construction of village crematoriums, waiting rooms, and toilets for girls in government schools.

Under the scheme, 318 works are included in four categories: 107 for water conservation and enhancement, 90 for rural infrastructure, 86 for livelihood enhancement, and 35 for climate adaptation and disaster management. Priority will be given to works such as ponds, check dams, roads, culverts, panchayat buildings, anganwadis, libraries, and waste management.

Additionally, the process of developing a comprehensive Gram Panchayat plan will begin on October 2nd. Suggestions will be sought from villagers at Gram Sabhas on August 20th. The government's goal is not only to provide employment, but also to build self-reliant and developed villages through local participation.

Raipur . The Pradhan Mantri Jan Man Yojana (PMJAY) is proving to be a significant initiative towards expanding basic amenities in forest areas and areas inhabited by specific tribal groups. Road construction under this scheme is also facilitating rural mobility in the forest areas of Kabirdham district. A 3-kilometer-long paved road from Mangtupura to Gudli Baigapara has been constructed at a cost of ₹19.2 million (192,90,000). The construction of the paved road has made travel easier and safer for villagers than before. They have found relief from the difficulties of commuting, especially during the rainy season. Villagers
from the Taregaon area of ​​the Bodla region said that with the acceleration of development work in forest areas under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Man Yojana, basic amenities are now reaching even remote areas. This road being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Man Yojana (PMJAY) is opening new avenues for development and easy transportation in the forest areas. With the increased connectivity to the paved road, both convenience and confidence have increased in the lives of villagers. Residents expressed their delight at the availability of basic amenities like roads in the forest area. Villagers expressed their gratitude and thanks to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and Deputy Chief Minister and Kawardha MLA Shri Vijay Sharma. A
convenient shortcut route from Gudli Baigapara to Tarengaon has been created.
Villagers reported that a better, paved, shortcut route from Gudli Baigapara to Tarengaon has been constructed through the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana. Previously, during the rainy season, the unpaved roads caused significant difficulties in commuting. Due to poor road conditions, the distance required longer to travel, and villagers faced numerous difficulties. Now, with the paved road, commuting has become easier. Villagers say that the road construction has not only improved transportation facilities, but also benefits people traveling for daily life, education, health services, and other essential needs.

Raipur . The State-Level Steering Committee meeting of the State Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited (CGCDF) concluded on Monday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Vikassheel. The main objectives of the meeting were to ensure the overall development of the dairy sector in the state, increase the income of milk producers, increase the participation of women milk producers, and strengthen the milk collection and marketing infrastructure.

Special focus on Bastar and Surguja divisions
: A large number of rural and Scheduled Tribe families are involved in animal husbandry in the seven districts of Bastar division. Approximately 88% of the cows in the region are of local breeds. To increase milk productivity, emphasis is being placed on animal nutrition, animal health, breed improvement, and scientific management.

With the support of NDDB, chilling centers have been commissioned in Jashpur (2,000 liter capacity) and Balrampur (5,000 liter capacity) in Surguja division since June 2025. Currently, approximately 3,500 liters of milk is collected daily through 45 milk collection centers, with over 1,500 women producers. Under

the Direct Payment and Transparent System Project, the bills of milk producers are being paid directly into their bank accounts, due to which women are getting regular income and the rural economy is getting strengthened. In the meeting, the action report of previous meetings, human resource challenges, physical-financial progress and Dairy Comprehensive Development Plan were reviewed. On this occasion, Principal Secretary of Scheduled Tribe Development Department Sonmani Bora, Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department Siddharth Komal Pardeshi, Secretary of Finance and Public Relations Department Dr. Rohit Yadav, along with Commissioner Cooperation Ramesh Kumar Sharma, officials of State Cooperative Milk Federation and other senior officials of Cooperative Department and other members of the Federation were present.

Raipur . Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed deep sorrow over the passing of senior journalist Ramesh Sharma. He said that Ramesh Sharma played a vital role in raising awareness in society through his writings. His contributions to journalism and his sensitivity towards society will always be remembered.

The Chief Minister prayed to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed soul a place in his feet and to grant the bereaved family and well-wishers the strength and courage to bear this loss.

Chief Minister honored forest workers who did excellent work in managing human-elephant conflict and protecting elephants
Raipur (VNS). Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai today released the book 'Gajrath Yatra - Part 02' based on the public awareness campaign of Jashpur Forest Division at the Chief Minister's camp office in his home village Bagiya in Jashpur district. This book documents the efforts and innovative activities being undertaken by Jashpur Forest Division to reduce human-elephant conflict, protect elephants and increase public awareness in the affected areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Jashpur is a region rich in forest wealth and biodiversity. Ensuring safe coexistence between humans and wildlife is crucial. Raising public awareness about elephants' natural behavior and their roaming areas can help reduce human-elephant conflict. He stated that forest and wildlife conservation, along with public safety, is the government's priority. Praising the "Gajrath Yatra," the Chief Minister said it is an important initiative to raise awareness and alert local communities in elephant-affected areas. The active role of local communities, along with the Forest Department, in such efforts helps strengthen human-elephant coexistence.

Collector Mr. Rohit Vyas, Divisional Forest Officer Mr. Shashi Kumar, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Abhishek Kumar, along with officials from the Forest Department and District Administration were present on this occasion. The
"Gajrath Yatra" is reaching villages and schools.
For the past few years, the Jashpur Forest Division has been conducting various activities in elephant-affected areas to reduce human-elephant conflict and educate villagers about safe behavior. The "Gajrath Yatra" is a comprehensive public awareness campaign launched in this direction. Through this campaign, villagers, students, and the general public are being reached in elephant-affected villages, schools, and public places to educate them about the natural behavior of elephants, their habitat, food, and roaming areas. People are also being made aware of maintaining a safe distance from elephants, avoiding unnecessary close approaches in their presence, and immediately reporting to the Forest Department in case of an emergency. The campaign aims to dispel misconceptions and fears about elephants and develop a scientific, sensitive, and practical approach towards them. Its objective is to minimize the potential for conflict, ensuring the protection of elephants while safeguarding rural communities.
A journey of conservation and public awareness documented in "Gajrath Yatra - Part 02."

"Gajrath Yatra - Part 2" comprehensively compiles various efforts being undertaken by the Jashpur Forest Division to manage human-elephant conflict and conserve elephants. The book highlights public awareness programs, the role of rural communities, engaging students in wildlife conservation, and activities that encourage safe behavior with elephants. The book also underlines the message that awareness and cooperation between local communities and ordinary citizens, along with the Forest Department, are crucial to effective wildlife conservation. Especially in elephant-affected areas, timely information, caution, and community coordination play a crucial role in protecting both humans and elephants.

Raipur. The seven-day photo exhibition organized by the Public Relations Department at the historic Town Hall at Kachari Chowk in Raipur, the capital, has become a center of attraction for citizens and students. A large number of people are arriving to see the exhibition. Even today, students and common citizens visited the exhibition with enthusiasm. The exhibition effectively presents Chhattisgarh's contribution to the freedom struggle, the struggles and sacrifices of brave soldiers, the glorious 150-year journey of the national anthem "Vande Mataram," and the state's journey to development and good governance.
Innovative heritage and tourism experiences are provided through AI technology, and knowledge about Chhattisgarh is being tested through quizzes.

The exhibition's innovative heritage and tourism experience, powered by AI technology, has been a special attraction. Through this initiative, visitors can create digital images of themselves against the backdrop of Chhattisgarh's major tourist and religious sites. Children and youth are particularly enthusiastic about this blend of modern technology and Chhattisgarh's rich cultural and tourism heritage.

In addition, a quiz program related to Chhattisgarh is being organized at the exhibition premises. Visitors can test their knowledge by participating in questions related to Chhattisgarh's history, culture, tradition, tourism, and various important aspects. The quiz provides both entertainment and an opportunity to learn more about Chhattisgarh and test their knowledge. Students and youth are particularly enthusiastic about this informative activity. The exhibition showcases rare photographs, historical documents, and significant events related to the freedom struggle. The contributions of Chhattisgarh's freedom fighters, public figures, and immortal martyrs have been given special
attention
. Important events related to Mahatma Gandhi's stay in Chhattisgarh and the social and national movements in the state are also part of the exhibition.
Students who visited the exhibition eagerly examined the photographs and historical documents. They said that seeing the events of the freedom struggle, read about in books, through real photographs and historical material is a unique and inspiring experience. This gave them an opportunity to closely understand the struggle, sacrifice, and dedication of the freedom fighters.
The 150-year glorious story of 'Vande Mataram'
is a major highlight of the exhibition, focusing on the 150-year historical journey of the national anthem 'Vande Mataram'. From the composition of 'Vande Mataram' to its role as an inspiring voice of national awakening during the freedom movement, it is presented through historical context and photographs. This section introduces the new generation to the role of the national anthem in the freedom movement and its impact on awakening nationalism among the countrymen. Students showed particular interest in this section, describing it as an important medium for understanding the country's freedom struggle and national sentiment.
From the glorious story of independence to a new picture of development,
the exhibition prominently showcases the glorious story of the freedom struggle as well as Chhattisgarh's current development journey. Photographs depict the positive changes brought about in the lives of ordinary citizens through public welfare schemes. The exhibition also provides information on initiatives related to education, skill development, employment, and social security, including the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, the Krishak Unnati Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Achievements related to the empowerment of women, farmers, youth, workers, and needy families are also showcased.
A glimpse of the achievements of good governance and development:
The exhibition presents the state's development journey, including Good Governance Festival, Green Chhattisgarh, education, and infrastructure expansion, through photographs and informative material. Achievements related to improved road and rail connectivity, industrial infrastructure, investment, and new employment opportunities are also glimpsed.
In this way, the exhibition presents the journey from the history of the freedom struggle to the present-day development of Chhattisgarh on a single platform. This combination of past glory and present-day development is particularly appealing to visitors.

Students described their experiences as informative and inspiring.
Students and teachers who visited the exhibition also shared their experiences. Students and teachers described the exhibition as beautiful, informative and inspiring. Students said that they have gained important information about the heroes of the freedom struggle. Such events are useful in giving better information to the new generation about the heroes who sacrificed everything for the country's independence. It was suggested to continue such events in the future also.

Raipur. On the auspicious occasion of the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan and Nag Panchami, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal performed the ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva at the ancient Shiva temple in Lakhanpur. Worshiping Lord Shiva, he prayed for happiness, peace, prosperity, health and a happy life for all the people of the state.

Minister Agarwal said that the infinite blessings of Lord Shiva, the Supreme God, may always remain upon the people of the state. May every family be filled with happiness, peace, prosperity, and good fortune with the blessings of Lord Shiva, and may everyone's life be filled with new energy, enthusiasm, and auspiciousness.

Mahasamund. On the very first day of a special campaign against food adulteration launched in Chhattisgarh, a major crackdown took place in Mahasamund district. A joint team of the Revenue Department, Food and Drug Administration, and police raided a cheese factory on Bhalesar Road and seized 300 kilograms of cheese. Suspecting the quality of the cheese, officials took samples and sent them to a laboratory for testing.

According to reports, officials received a complaint that the factory was producing analog cheese. Based on the complaint, a joint team raided the Vaidya Food Products factory late Sunday night. During the investigation, large quantities of cheese were found being produced at the factory.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the cheese produced at the factory was being supplied to various areas in Odisha, including Raipur. Officials found approximately 300 kilograms of cheese at the scene, which was seized. The raw materials used in the cheese production are also being examined.

It is reported that this factory belongs to Shobhit, a resident of Kanpur. During the operation, 10 to 12 artisans were found working in the factory, all from Morena district in Madhya Pradesh. The investigation also revealed that this factory in Bhalesar had been operating for approximately a year.

The state Food Department has launched a special campaign against adulterated food items from August 17th to August 23rd. During this period, shops, hotels, dairies, and food production units will be inspected. Samples of suspected food items will be taken and their quality will be tested.

Officials say further action will be taken after the investigation report is received. If the cheese is confirmed to be adulterated, strict action will be taken against the operators involved under the Food Safety Act.

Raipur. A major controversy has erupted regarding the UGC-NET June 2026. Following the cancellation of the English, Commerce, and Sociology papers, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the central government and the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Rahul Gandhi questioned whether the question papers were leaked before the exam. He said that the NTA often makes the mistake, but the students bear the brunt.

According to the NTA, serious factual, translation, and typographical errors were found in the question papers for these three subjects. The English and Commerce exams will now be rescheduled for September 9, while the Sociology exam will be rescheduled for September 10, 2026

The NTA has clarified that students will not be charged a re-examination fee for re-exams, and the number of seats will not be reduced. Results for the remaining 84 subjects will be released as scheduled.

Rahul Gandhi demanded accountability of NTA, saying that the fault is not of the students and the responsibility of the system shoud

Gonda. A video of female students dancing in burqas at an Independence Day event went viral, sparking controversy. The incident occurred at Knowledge Beam Academy, located in the Khondare police station area of ​​Gonda.

After the video went viral, school administrator Ramakrishna Maurya issued a public apology, stating that the program was intended solely for entertainment and not intended to hurt the sentiments of any community.

The manager claimed that all the dancing students in the video were Hindus. He apologized if the program offended any community and vowed to avoid such a mistake in the future.

Currently, the debate regarding the viral video is going on on social media.

Raipur. A case of alleged tampering of a photo of BJP National President Nitin Nabin hoisting the tricolor has surfaced. An FIR has been registered at Raipur's Civil Lines police station against Arun Sahu, a leader associated with the Congress IT cell.

The police took action based on a complaint from BJP spokesperson Gaurishankar Srivas. It is alleged that an edited photo of Nitin Nabin from August 15th was circulated on social media, spreading misleading information. The post was later removed, but by then it had already gone viral.

The police have registered an FIR number 0429/2026, under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act and Section 356 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The police are now investigating the post, screenshots, and full details of the image.

Raipur. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev arrived in Raipur on Sunday. Due to inclement weather in Dehradun, he decided to stay overnight in Raipur. Speaking to the media at the airport, he made several important remarks about the current state of affairs in the country and the future of youth.

Baba Ramdev said that neither Hindus, Muslims, nor any other caste is in danger in the country, but rather, Indian childhood, the nation's youth, and its future are. He also questioned the use of children and youth in protests

Regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the national anthem, he said that he had not yet seen the related video, but that everyone should remain united on the issue of Vande Mataram and the unity and integrity of the country. He said that national interest and national duty are paramount and that this issue should not be politicized.

Regarding the country's system, he said that it is not reasonable to rely solely on a Prime Minister to fix the country. Referring to the good work accomplished through the Modi government's policies, he also said that it would be inaccurate to say that everything is fine in the country.

Baba Ramdev also questioned the commercialization of education and the medical system. He said that all members of society must work together to improve these systems.

Katghora. 24-year-old Ranjit Yadav has been missing for 48 hours after he jumped into the Minimata Bango Dam in Korba. It is reported that he was visiting with friends.

According to reports, a bet was made between friends to jump into the dam and outrun it. Ranjeet then jumped into the water. CCTV footage of the incident has also surfaced.

Upon receiving the information, the police and the District Municipal Army rescue team launched a search, but the young man was not found until evening. Due to strong currents and darkness, the search operation had to be suspended. Subsequently, the NDRF team was called in on Monday morning and the search resumed.

Ujjain. A large crowd gathered at the Mahakaleshwar Temple on the third Monday of Sawan. Along with the darshan of Lord Mahakal, a large number of devotees also visited the Nagchandreshwar Temple, which is open only once a year.

The crowd suddenly increased in the barricaded area in front of the Harsiddhi Temple, leading to a stampede-like situation. Several devotees became ill, while some were reported to have fallen and fainted.

Security personnel and family members rescued people from the crowd. The injured were taken to the hospital. According to local reports, 13 devotees were injured.

It is reported that approximately 550,000 devotees have visited Mahakal so far. The doors of the Nagchandreshwar Temple open only once a year, which has led to a large crowd.

Jharkhand Student Protest: Raipur. BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar has criticized former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's silence on the student protests in Jharkhand. He said, "Bhupesh Baghel can demand an investigation into wind, rain, and sunshine, but he cannot speak out on the Jharkhand student protests. If he's avoiding going to Jharkhand out of fear of his shoes being stolen, we'll give him a new pair of shoes."

Those who oppose the country are Naxalites: Ajay Chandrakar

PM Modi, speaking from the Red Fort on Independence Day, stated that armed Naxalism has ended, but ideological Naxalites remain. MLA Ajay Chandrakar, referring to the alleged incident of protests against Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters, said that opposing things related to national honor and patriotism is a form of Naxalite mentality. They lack trust in the national and state systems and seek to implement their own agenda. Those who oppose the country are Naxalites.

Chandrakar demands high-level inquiry into Congress's handling of Vande Mataram

Ajay Chandrakar has now attacked the Congress party over the controversy surrounding the alleged obstruction of the singing of Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhavan. He stated that Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was observed due to such incidents. Vande Mataram symbolizes national identity and patriotism. Chandrakar alleged that Vande Mataram was insulted for appeasement. If the Congress party is claiming a chair was being sought for Mallikarjun Kharge, if the national anthem was sung in full, it should be presented to the public. He demanded a high-level investigation into the matter.

Chandrakar on viral video controversy

An FIR has been filed against Congress leaders in Dhamtari in connection with an alleged video of BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar that went viral on social media. MLA Chandrakar stated that BJP officials in Dhamtari have filed an FIR against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Supriya Shrinate, Pawan Khera, and other leaders in this matter. He stated that Congress has exploited the national festival for political purposes, and action should be taken against those responsible. Congress has no public interest issues left, and if such politics continues, the public will not accept it. He also demanded that Congress leaders resign on moral grounds.

Ajay Chandrakar stated that the viral video is an old video from a training camp in Kurud, which was promoted by linking it to the August 15th event. He explained that this year, he was invited by the government to attend the flag hoisting ceremony in Dhamtari, and the flag hoisting ceremony took place there following full protocol. He said that the authenticity of the video could have been verified by the administration, but Congress leaders made it viral nationwide.

Vande Mataram Controversy: Jaipur. While addressing a public meeting in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made a serious allegation against the Congress of insulting the national song 'Vande Mataram' on the occasion of Independence Day.

Amit Shah, targeting the Congress party, said, "Look at their shamelessness. The national anthem 'Vande Mataram' was being sung at the Congress party headquarters. During the song, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi asked the Congress president to stop the song.

"We all just stared at the TV. Soniaji, 1.4 billion people are watching you. The people of this country will never forgive you for the sin you have committed. How could anyone even dream of leaving the song 'Vande Mataram' incomplete? The Congress people should be ashamed."

Congress should apologize- Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused the Congress of insulting the national song "Vande Mataram" and demanded that the party apologise to the people and to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, who wrote the song. He alleged that during an Independence Day function at the Congress headquarters, party leader Sonia Gandhi had asked for the "Vande Mataram" song to be stopped midway.

The Home Minister alleged that Congress had forgotten "Vande Mataram" due to vote-bank politics. Shah said, "We all saw it on television," and said Sonia Gandhi should apologize to the people and to the immortal soul of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Referring to Saturday's Independence Day celebrations, Shah said that 80 years after independence, 'Vande Mataram' was sung at the Red Fort and at all the places where the flag was hoisted. "Thousands of people faced bullets, lathi charges and went to jail for singing 'Vande Mataram,'" Shah said, referring to the revolutionary slogan's use during the freedom struggle.

CG Suicide News: Korea. A 22-year-old woman committed suicide by hanging herself in Korea, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday morning. The incident caused a stir in the area. The entire incident occurred in the Charcha Kotwali police station area. Police have launched an investigation.

Read full news

According to reports, the deceased has been identified as Payal Kumari. It is reported that Payal hanged herself at her home in Cooperative Line, Ward No. 9, at around 4 a.m. Upon receiving information about the incident, Charcha Kotwali police arrived at the scene.

Police engaged in investigating the matter

The police have prepared an inquest report of the body and sent it for post-mortem. The cause of the suicide is currently unknown. The police are investigating the case, and a forensic team is collecting evidence from the scene.

Bengaluru. Allegations of disrespecting "Vande Mataram" at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day have heated up political tensions. As the controversy escalates, the BJP has filed a formal complaint against Sonia Gandhi, the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson in Karnataka. The complaint was filed at the Urva police station in Karnataka.

It should be noted that on August 15th, Independence Day, an event was held at the Congress headquarters. A video surfaced showing senior Congress leaders conversing among themselves while the national anthem/Vande Mataram was being played. Following the release of this video, the BJP has called it an insult to the national anthem and Vande Mataram.

Allegations and counter-allegations on the seventh heaven

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari launched a scathing attack on the Congress party in an interview with ANI. He said, "Yesterday, the Congress party showed its true face to the nation. They hate 'Vande Mataram.' Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were uncomfortable hearing it."

Furthermore, Union Home Minister Amit Shah raised the issue at a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, strongly criticizing the Congress. BJP leaders allege that the Congress leadership lacks respect for the national anthem.