Raipur. President Draupadi Murmu had announced that 12 officers and employees of the Chhattisgarh Police would be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the Commendable Service Medal on Republic Day, January 26. Chief Minister Dr. Vishnudev Sai will present the President's Medals to the officers and employees at the main ceremony to be held in Raipur on Independence Day, August 15.

These officers will receive medals.

The President's Medal for Distinguished Service will be awarded to Ramavtar Singh Rajput, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Rakshit Kendra, Dhamtari district. The President's Medal for Meritorious Service will be awarded to Ramgopal Garg, Inspector General of Police, Bilaspur Range; Shashi Mohan Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Raigarh district; Shweta Shrivastava Sinha, Superintendent of Police, Raipur Rural; Rajshree Mishra, Superintendent of Police, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Visha Police Headquarters, Raipur; Nivedita Pal, Commandant, 6th Battalion, Chhasbal, Raigarh; Manisha Thakur Raote, Commandant, 20th Battalion, Chhasbal, Mahasamund; Tarkeshwar Patel, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, District Central; Commissioner of Police, Raipur Urban; Unaiza Khatoon Ansari, Additional Superintendent of Police, Visha Police Headquarters, Raipur; Jayalal Markam, Assistant Commandant, 1st Battalion, Chhasbal, Bhilai; and Hazari Lal Sahu, Platoon Commander, 20th Battalion, Chhasbal, Mahasamund.

Train Gold Smuggling: Raipur. Under South East Central Railway, RPF Crime Branch Raipur and Nagpur team in a joint operation with DRI Nagpur have recovered foreign gold worth about Rs 2 crore from Howrah-Mumbai Duronto Express. During the operation, the team has also caught two suspects. The total weight of the seized gold is about 1.242 kg, whose estimated value is said to be Rs 1 crore 96 lakh 34 thousand 307. The seized gold includes 7 gold biscuits and one gold bar. This operation was carried out in train number 12262 Howrah-Mumbai Duronto Express.

According to reports, the Inspector of the RPF Crime Branch, Nagpur, received information from reliable sources that two individuals were smuggling foreign gold aboard the Duronto Express. Taking the information seriously, teams from the Nagpur and Raipur RPF Crime Branches, along with officials from the DRI, Nagpur, were instructed to conduct a thorough search of the train.

The joint team then began checking the train between Raipur and Nagpur. During the search, the team located two suspicious individuals in coach B-12. Both were apprehended between Bhandara and Nagpur. Upon searching the suspects, approximately 1.242 kilograms of foreign gold was recovered from their possession. This included seven gold biscuits and one gold bar. The estimated value of the recovered gold is ₹1,96,34,307.

Following the operation, the RPF handed over both suspects, along with the seized gold, to DRI Nagpur for further investigation. DRI Nagpur has registered a case under Section 135 of the Customs Act, 1962. Further legal proceedings are underway. Both suspects are being interrogated and will be produced in court.

The DRI is now investigating the source of the seized foreign gold and the alleged perpetrators. The agency is gathering information about other individuals involved in the gold smuggling and potential networks. The RPF Crime Branch teams from Nagpur and Raipur played a key role in this joint operation. Through this action, the RPF demonstrated its vigilance in monitoring illegal activities and maintaining security on the railways.

RAHUL GANDHI NEWS: Lucknow. Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has challenged the Allahabad High Court's order. On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court's order to have the ED and CBI verify the allegations of disproportionate assets.

Congress MP from Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi, filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Thursday in connection with his disproportionate assets case. He challenged the Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench's order directing the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate to verify allegations of disproportionate assets. A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India will hear the petition on August 17.

Rahul Gandhi has filed a special petition in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's order. He has also filed a separate transfer petition seeking transfer of the case from the Allahabad High Court to the Delhi High Court.

The Supreme Court will hear both petitions on August 17, 2026. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana will hear the case. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court's decision.

The case against Rahul Gandhi stems from a complaint filed by Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker from Karnataka. Shishir accused Rahul Gandhi of amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Based on this complaint, the Allahabad High Court in May 2026 granted permission to the CBI and ED to investigate and verify the allegations under the law.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court's order in the disproportionate assets case. Gandhi has challenged the Lucknow bench of the high court's order directing the central investigating agencies CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to verify the allegations against him.

Last month, the High Court also told the ED that if any irregularities were discovered during the investigation, the agency could take legal action. It also expressed dissatisfaction with the report submitted by the CBI.

Ambikapur. Ahead of August 15th, the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh witnessed a major crackdown by the Excise Flying Squad against illicit liquor. The team busted a mahua liquor factory and arrested an accused, seizing a large quantity of mahua liquor and raw material from his possession.

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This entire incident took place in the Patpariya area of ​​Ambikapur city. Acting under the leadership of Assistant District Excise Officer Ranjit Gupta, the team raided a rented house where a mahua liquor factory was operatin

Mahua liquor and lahan seized

70 liters of mahua liquor and 480 kg of mahua lahan were recovered from the scene. In one room, liquor was being made on eight furnaces, while in another room, mahua lahan was stored in 24 plastic containers. The Excise Flying Squad arrested the accused, Arjun Kujur. The team took action against him under the Excise Act and sent him to jail.

Raipur. On Independence Day, August 15, Kabirdham district in-charge and Industry Minister Lakhanlal Devangan will hoist the flag in the main function organized at Acharya Panth Grindhamuni Nam Saheb Government Post Graduate College ground in district headquarters Kawardha. District in-charge and Industry Minister Lakhanlal Devangan will take the salute of the parade and will read the Chief Minister's message to the public. 

The flag will be hoisted by the chief guest at 9 am in the dignified Independence Day function organized by the district administration. After this, after inspecting the parade, the Chief Minister's message will be read. After the celebratory fire and march past, school students will present wonderful cultural programs. After the prize distribution in the function, the chief guest will leave.

Raipur . Jashpur district will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15th. The General Administration Department has released the list of chief guests for the flag hoisting ceremony. Rajesh Agarwal, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Religious Endowments and Endowments, will be the chief guest at the Independence Day celebrations in Jashpur district.

Minister Rajesh Agarwal will hoist the national flag, the tricolor, at the district-level main function held at the Ranjita Stadium in the district headquarters on August 15th. He will then read Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai's message to the people of the state.

Various cultural programs filled with patriotism will also be organized during the Independence Day celebrations. Minister Agarwal will attend the program as the chief guest and encourage participants.

On this occasion, the minister will honor the families of martyrs from the district by presenting them shawls and coconuts. He will also present awards to students who excel in cultural programs and encourage them.

Government officials and employees who have performed outstandingly in various departments of the district will also be honored with certificates of appreciation. Through the Independence Day celebrations, the message of patriotism, dedication and commitment towards the unity and integrity of the country will be given to the people of the district.

Raipur . On Independence Day, August 15, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma will hoist the flag in the main function organized at Narhardev Higher Secondary School ground in Kanker district headquarters. Minister Verma will take the salute of the parade and read the Chief Minister's message to the public. 

The flag will be hoisted by the chief guest at 9 am in the Independence Day function organized by the district administration. After this, after inspecting the parade, the Chief Minister's message will be read. After the celebratory fire and march past, the school students will present wonderful cultural programs and prizes will be distributed in the program.

Raipur . Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education, Backward Classes and Minority Development Department, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal will be the chief guest at the main function to be held at the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB) district headquarters this year. According to the invitation letter issued by the district administration, the Independence Day celebrations will be held on August 15 at 9 am at the Police Ground, Amakherwa, Manendragarh.

The minute-by-minute program details
released by the District Collector's Office are as follows: 8:58 am: Arrival of the Chief Guest 9:07 am: National Anthem, Flag Hoisting, Salute and National Anthem 9:15 am: Inspection of the Parade by the Chief Guest 9:15 am: March Past 9:25 am: Reading of the Chief Minister's Message 9:45 am: Cultural Program by School Children 11 am: Distribution of Awards and Certificates to Outstanding Performers 11:15 am: Conclusion of the Grand Program The

Collector and the District Administration, MCB have cordially invited all citizens, public representatives, and dignitaries of the district to participate in this national festival. The administration has requested that everyone be in their seats at the venue by 8:45 am so that the ceremony can commence smoothly.

Tribute to the martyrs, tree plantation and the message of the Tiranga Har Ghar AbhiyanRaipur (VNS). The Bike Tiranga Yatra, which began from Narayanpur as part of the Bastar Tiranga Yatra, reached Barsoor on Wednesday under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap. In Barsoor, public representatives and local citizens gave the Yatra a grand welcome. The atmosphere throughout the region was filled with patriotic chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai and patriotic slogans.

Raipur . As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 211th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Thanoud, Naya Raipur, will organize grand events today, August 13, to promote the "Tiranga in every home" campaign. Commandant Dr. Vinod Kumar Tandon informed that through this campaign, citizens will be encouraged to further instill patriotism and hoist the tricolor in every home.

Program Outline:
Under this program, on August 13th, at 10:00 AM, flag distribution will take place at 211 Battalion CRPF Headquarters, Thanoud (New Raipur), and at 10:15 AM, flag distribution will be held at Rawatpura Government Medical Science and Research Institute, strengthening the spirit of patriotism and national unity. Similarly, flag distribution will take place at 10:25 AM at Balco Medical Center, followed by flag distribution in Abhanpur at 10:35 AM, and a flag distribution and Tiranga Rally in Rajim at 10:45 AM. The

211 Battalion of CRPF has appealed to the general public, public representatives, and media friends to participate enthusiastically in this great festival of patriotism and make the program a success. On this occasion, the spirit of patriotism and national unity will be strengthened, and the spirit of patriotism and national unity will be strengthened by remembering the freedom fighters and taking a pledge for the development of the country.

Raipur. Chhattisgarh's traditional Hareli festival is a time of great enthusiasm. The Chief Minister's residence in Nava Raipur is also awash in Hareli colors today. The traditional decorations throughout the complex are attracting attention. From the entrance to various parts of the complex, decorations have been done in keeping with the Hareli festival theme, showcasing agricultural implements and rural surroundings.

Big gift to farmers on Hareli Tihar: Advance incentive amount of Rs 54.36 lakh distributed for cultivation of medicinal plants

Raipur, August 2026 / Cultivation of medicinal plants requires lower inputs, less water, and fewer chemical fertilizers than traditional crops, while high demand in national and international markets provides farmers with significantly higher profits. Crops like ashwagandha, asparagus, aloe vera, basil, and lemongrass offer excellent options for increasing farmers' incomes at lower costs and expense.

On the eve of Hareli Tihar, the Chhattisgarh government encouraged farmers cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants. In a program organized by the Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plants Board, under the Forest Department, a total of 54.36 lakh rupees in advance incentives were distributed to farmers and self-help groups in Narayanpur (Abujhmad) and Dhamtari districts.

Forest and Climate Change Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap attended the event held today as the chief guest at the State Forest Research Building, Zero Point, in the capital. The event was presided over by Mr. Vikas Markam, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plant Board, and Vice Chairman Mr. Anjay Shukla and MLA Mr. Anuj Sharma were present as special guests.

Giving advance money to farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants is a gift of Hareli Tihar

Addressing the program, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap stated that medicinal plant cultivation is emerging as a low-cost, high-profit option for farmers. It requires less water, requires minimal expenditure on pesticides, and can generate additional income by planting medicinal plants on field boundaries. He stated that Hareli is Chhattisgarh's oldest festival, deeply rooted in agricultural culture. Providing farmers with advance funds for medicinal plant cultivation on this occasion is truly a gift of Hareli Tihar, which will give them renewed economic strength. On this occasion, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap was welcomed by Board Chairman Shri Vikas Markam, Vice Chairman Shri Ajay Shukla, and Board Chief Executive Officer Shri J.A.C.S. Rao, presenting them with a garland of Khumri and a bouquet of flowers prepared by women from self-help groups.

Conservation and promotion of rare medicinal species

Speaking at the event, Board Chairman Mr. Vikas Markam said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai and Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap, the Board is continuously working to conserve and promote medicinal plants, preserve traditional knowledge, develop the capacity of herbalists, and increase farmers' income. He informed that work has also been initiated to conserve and promote approximately 50 rare medicinal species that are on the verge of extinction in Chhattisgarh.

Herbal medicine is the basis of our traditional health system.

Board Vice Chairman Mr. Anjay Shukla stated that the importance of herbal medicines is the foundation of our traditional health system. Even today, people in rural areas use natural medicinal plants, and this is the greatest strength of our health tradition. Speaking at the event, Board Chief Executive Officer Mr. J.A.C.S. Rao stated that the Board is promoting medicinal plant cultivation on a mission mode. Farmers are provided free saplings and arrangements are made for the purchase of their produce, ensuring they do not face any marketing difficulties.

At the event, 25 farmers from Narayanpur (Abujhmad), 18 farmers from Dhamtari district, and 43 self-help groups received advance incentives totaling ₹54.36 lakh. This amount was disbursed through the Board's contracted organizations, Messrs. Stevia and Insta Herbs, to enable farmers to begin medicinal plant cultivation without financial hardship. This initiative will not only promote medicinal plant cultivation but also increase farmer incomes, increase women's economic participation, and strengthen Chhattisgarh's traditional health practices.

Rights records distributed in Sarangarh; target of distributing 10 lakh cards

Raipur, August 2026/ The Swamitva Yojana is transforming rural India through drone technology and modern mapping. Under this scheme, accurate surveys of inhabited properties in villages across the country, including Chhattisgarh, are being conducted and villagers are being issued property cards with legal ownership rights, reducing land disputes and making it easier to obtain bank loans.

Swamvitva Yojana: State government aims to distribute 10 lakh cards

State Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma distributed rights records (ownership cards) to citizens under the 'Swamitva Yojana' at a program organized at the Mandi premises in Sarangarh. On this occasion, Minister Shri Verma said that so far 4 lakh rights records have been distributed under the Swamitva Yojana in Chhattisgarh. The state government has set a target of distributing 10 lakh cards, which will be completed by next year. He informed that so far 15 thousand ownership cards have been prepared in the newly formed Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district. Minister Verma urged citizens to keep their ownership cards safe.

Committed to make Chhattisgarh the leading state of the country by the year 2047

Highlighting the state government's achievements and development priorities, Minister Shri Verma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the government is continuously working on the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Upon assuming office, the government approved 18 lakh Prime Minister's houses. Apart from this, ambitious schemes like Mahatari Vandan and the successful implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 are establishing new dimensions of progress in the state. He said that historic success has been achieved in freeing Bastar from Naxalism. The government is committed to making Chhattisgarh the leading state of the country by the year 2047, in accordance with the vision of Developed India 2047.

On this occasion, District Panchayat President and Vice President, District Panchayat Member, former MLA Mrs. Kerabai Manhar along with a large number of dignitaries and villagers were present.

Patriotic slogans echoed in Sarangarh

A grand Tiranga Yatra was organised under the leadership of Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma.

Raipur, August 2026/ Citizens are enthusiastically participating in the Tiranga Rally to spread the spirit of patriotism among the people and to strengthen public awareness towards cleanliness. A grand Tiranga Yatra was organised in Sarangarh today under the leadership of Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma. This Yatra, which started with the worship of Bharat Mata, passed through Bharat Mata Chowk, Nanda Chowk and Atal Complex and concluded at Rani Laxmi Bai Complex. During the Yatra, the entire city was painted in the colours of patriotism with the powerful slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' by thousands of school children.

On the occasion of the conclusion of the Tiranga Yatra, Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma called upon citizens to hoist the tricolor with pride at their homes. He said that the Tiranga Yatra is being organized across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tricolor is our national pride, for which millions of patriots have sacrificed their all. Its wheel symbolizes the continuous progress of our country and state. When it comes to the tricolor, we all rise above caste, creed, and religion and become one. He paid homage to immortal martyrs like Rani of Jhansi, Mangal Pandey, and Bhagat Singh and inspired us to follow in their footsteps.

​​ District Panchayat President and Vice President, former MLA Mrs. Kerabai Manhar, ex-servicemen, public representatives, Collector, Superintendent of Police, dignitaries and a large number of school children were present in the program.

Raipur—Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai paid tribute to the late Minimata Ji, Chhattisgarh's first woman MP and social worker, on her death anniversary. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Minimata Ji dedicated her entire life to the service of humanity. She raised her voice against child marriage and the dowry system, from society to Parliament.  

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the State Government also awards the State Decoration Award in the name of Minimata Ji for outstanding contributions to society and the upliftment of women. He said that Minimata Ji's service-oriented personality will always inspire us all.

00 Traditional rituals will be performed in this historical festival which will last for 75 days, the event will be organised in the Danteshwari temple premises
Raipur. The world famous Bastar Dussehra festival is going to begin with the Pat Jatra puja ritual on the auspicious occasion of Hareli Amavasya tomorrow, Wednesday, 12th August in the temple premises of Bastar's revered goddess Maa Danteshwari. During this, the traditional Manjhi-Chalaki, Member-Memberin, Pujari, Patel, Naik-Paik and Sevadaars will perform the 'Thurlu Khotla' ritual of making tools for the construction of the chariot. Bastar Dussehra Committee has requested all Sevadaars, villagers and dignitaries to participate in this puja ritual.

The main program for the 75-day long Bastar Dussehra has been released. The Dussehra festival will commence with the Pat Jatra Puja Vidhan on Wednesday, August 12th. The Dairy Gadai Puja Vidhan will be held on Thursday, September 24th. The Kachnagadi Puja Vidhan will be held on Saturday, October 10th. The Kalash Sthapana Puja Vidhan will be held on Sunday, October 11th. The Jogi Bithai Puja Vidhan will be held on Monday, October 12th. Similarly, Navratri Puja and Rath Parikrama will be held daily from October 13th to 18th. Bel Puja will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 18th. Maha Ashtami Puja and Nisha Jatra Puja will be held on Monday, October 19th. Kunwari Puja, Jogi Uthi Puja, and Maavali Parghav will be held on Tuesday, October 20th.
Bhitar Raini Puja and Rath Parikrama will be held on Wednesday, October 21st. Bahar Raini Puja and Rath Parikrama will be held on Thursday, October 22nd. Kachhan Jatra Puja will be held on Friday, October 23rd. The historic Muria Darbar will be held in the afternoon. The festival will formally conclude with the Kutumb Jatra Puja Vidhan (farewell of village deities) on Saturday, October 24th. The festival will formally conclude with the farewell puja of Mavalli Mata's palanquin on Tuesday, October 27th. This 75-day Dussehra festival, dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, is renowned worldwide for its unique folk traditions, tribal culture, and grand rituals.

State procurement from Government e-Marketplace increased by 113% in one year, micro and small enterprises received orders worth ₹1,800 crore

Competitive tendering process will save the state ₹130 crore in 2025-2

Raipur -- Chhattisgarh has been honored with the 'GeM Sustainable Procurement Award' at the 10th Foundation Day celebrations of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The honor was presented in the august presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The theme of the ceremony, organized to mark the completion of a decade of GeM, was 'GeM 10: A Decade of Exponential Possibilities.'

Chhattisgarh has been awarded this award under the 'Premier Awards – State Government Felicitation' category for state governments for the effective use of GeM and significant increase in the value and quantity of government procurement through it.

Open competition saves ₹130 crore

A transparent and competitive tender process on the GeM platform has resulted in savings of ₹130 crore for the Chhattisgarh government in fiscal year 2025-26. This savings is due to the difference between the estimated cost of procurement by departments and the actual market price obtained after open competitive bidding.

GeM's open bidding process, standardized specifications, and digital, auditable records of every transaction ensure transparency and competition in government procurement. The state government has realized total savings of ₹235 crore through competitive procurement over the last three financial years.

A systematic check and monitoring system is in place at every stage of the procurement process. Tender conditions and technical specifications are regularly reviewed to ensure the quality of procurement and the availability of goods and services to meet changing requirements.

113 percent increase in purchases from GeM

Government procurement through GeM in Chhattisgarh increased to ₹3,935 crore in the financial year 2025-26. This is an increase of 113 percent compared to the previous financial year.

This growth has been made possible by the state government's concerted efforts to bring procurement across departments, corporations, and local bodies onto a common and transparent digital platform. This has brought more government procurement under the scope of open competition, ensuring competitive pricing and transparency in every transaction.

Micro and small enterprises get orders worth ₹1,800 crore

The widespread use of GeM has also led to a rapid increase in the participation of small entrepreneurs in government procurement. Procurement from micro and small enterprises (MSEs) increased by 61 percent to ₹1,800 crore in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This significantly exceeds the target of 25 percent MSE procurement.

The state's priority entrepreneurial groups have also seen a significant increase in participation. Procurements from women entrepreneurs have increased by 97 percent, and those from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs by 108 percent. Procurements from startups have seen the highest increase, at 178 percent.