Interacts with families of bravehearts lost in anti-Maoist operations, assures all possible support

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai salutes courage and sacrifice of jawans

Raipur, 18 May 2026/ Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday visited Amar Vatika in Jagdalpur and paid tribute to more than 1,000 security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against Maoism in Bastar.

Paying homage to the fallen personnel, Shri Shah said the sacrifices made by our jawans in restoring peace, security and development in Bastar will always be remembered. The sacrifice of the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the country will never go in vain, adding that both the Centre and State governments remain committed to establishing lasting peace, expanding development to the last mile and completely eliminating Maoism from the region.

During the visit, Union Home Minister met family members of jawans Shri Kalendra Prasad Nayak and Shri Pawan Kumar Mandavi, who were killed in a Maoist attack in Bijapur. Sitting with the bereaved families, Shri Shah shared their grief, offered condolences and assured them of all possible support from the government. He also interacted with the jawans and appreciated their courage, commitment and service in difficult conditions.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh will never forget the sacrifice of its bravehearts adding that the state government is working with full sensitivity towards the welfare, dignity and security of families of the jawans who lost their lives. Bastar is moving towards a new phase of peace, trust and development, with security forces playing a major role in the transformation.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Deo, public representatives and senior police and administrative officials were present on the occasion.

Interacts with families of bravehearts lost in anti-Maoist operations, assures all possible support

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai salutes courage and sacrifice of jawans

Raipur, 18 May 2026/ Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday visited Amar Vatika in Jagdalpur and paid tribute to more than 1,000 security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against Maoism in Bastar.

Paying homage to the fallen personnel, Shri Shah said the sacrifices made by our jawans in restoring peace, security and development in Bastar will always be remembered. The sacrifice of the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the country will never go in vain, adding that both the Centre and State governments remain committed to establishing lasting peace, expanding development to the last mile and completely eliminating Maoism from the region.

During the visit, Union Home Minister met family members of jawans Shri Kalendra Prasad Nayak and Shri Pawan Kumar Mandavi, who were killed in a Maoist attack in Bijapur. Sitting with the bereaved families, Shri Shah shared their grief, offered condolences and assured them of all possible support from the government. He also interacted with the jawans and appreciated their courage, commitment and service in difficult conditions.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh will never forget the sacrifice of its bravehearts adding that the state government is working with full sensitivity towards the welfare, dignity and security of families of the jawans who lost their lives. Bastar is moving towards a new phase of peace, trust and development, with security forces playing a major role in the transformation.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Deo, public representatives and senior police and administrative officials were present on the occasion.

Union Home Minister Inaugurates Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera in Netanar; Digital Governance Reaches Every Doorstep

Raipur, May 18, 2026/ Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah on Monday visited the CRPF camp at Netanar village in Bastar district, where he inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera (Public Facilitation Centre), marking a significant step in bringing citizen-centric services closer to people in previously Naxal-affected regions.

During his visit, Shri Shah interacted with women from Self Help Groups undergoing training at the tamarind processing centre. Learning about how they are increasing their income through tamarind sales and value addition, he also tasted Bastar’s tamarind and remarked warmly that its flavour was “not sour, but sweet,” appreciating the region’s distinct produce.

Members of the Gundadhur Women Self Help Group informed the Union Minister that they are engaged in producing high-quality tamarind pulp through scientific processing techniques. Group member Smt. Lambi Nag shared that by associating with the initiative, she expects to earn up to Rs 1 lakh annually, opening new avenues of financial empowerment for rural women.

Shri Shah later visited the Seva Setu Centre, where he met Smt. Sukhdevi, a resident of Netanar village. She informed him that she had just obtained an Aadhaar card for her five-month-old daughter Padma. Earlier, villagers had to walk nearly 10 kilometres to Nangur to access Aadhaar services. With the opening of the local centre, residents can now avail facilities such as new Aadhaar registration, Aadhaar updates, KYC services, mobile number updates, and e-Aadhaar facilities within the village itself.

At the centre, Smt. Sonamani shared that she had long wanted to complete her e-KYC process under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana but was unable to do so due to the distance involved. The establishment of the village-level facility enabled her to complete the process on the same day.

The Seva Dera has emerged as a comprehensive digital governance platform, offering villagers access to a range of online services under one roof. Residents can conveniently obtain certificates related to birth, income, caste and other essential documents without travelling long distances.

The centre is also providing Bank Sakhi training to women, enabling them to offer banking services within villages. Through Bank Sakhis, rural women will be able to facilitate cash deposits and withdrawals, open accounts for Self Help Groups, complete KYC procedures, update mobile numbers linked with bank accounts and support SHG credit linkage activities.

The Union Home Minister also interacted with women trainees at the sewing training centre, where both basic and advanced stitching skills are being imparted. Trainee Ms. Vijay Kumari said that the skills acquired through the programme would enable her to support her family’s livelihood more effectively.

Shri Shah also held discussions with rural women at the paddy deki training centre. The initiative is expected to enhance women’s income through rice sales while ensuring productive use of rice husk as nutritious cattle feed, thereby creating a sustainable rural economic model.

The visit reflected a visible transformation in Netanar, once regarded as a Naxal-affected area and now emerging as a symbol of development and digital inclusion, where governance is reaching the very doorstep of citizens.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Chief Secretary Shri Vikassheel and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Aadhaar card made in 'one day' at good governance camp

Good governance festival becomes a means of relief

Raipur, May 18, 2026/

The "Good Governance Festival 2026" campaign, being run by the Chhattisgarh government to quickly resolve public problems, is bringing new hope and happiness to the villagers of remote forest areas. A particularly heartening example emerged from the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur district, where the Aadhaar card of Mr. Somru Ram Podiam, a resident of Pidiakot village, which had been pending for years, was ready in just one day due to the promptness of the Good Governance camp.

Lack of resources and distance were obstacles

Somru Ram, who lives in the remote and inaccessible area of ​​Pediakot, has been trying to get his Aadhaar card made since the scheme's inception. However, due to geographical difficulties, lack of resources, and inadequate access to necessary facilities, he was unable to get his Aadhaar card. Lacking this crucial identity document, he faced persistent difficulties in availing various government welfare schemes and services.

On-the-spot solution at the camp

The solution camp organized as part of Good Governance Festival proved a boon for Somru Ram. As soon as the district administration officials brought his problem to the attention of the camp, they demonstrated sensitivity and took immediate action. His documentation and biometrics were completed at the camp site, and his Aadhaar registration was completed. A task that had been pending for years was completed within a few hours due to administrative promptness.

Smile returned to Somru Ram's face

With his Aadhaar card in hand, Somru Ram's face was filled with joy at the end of years of waiting. Emotionally, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the Narayanpur district administration. He said, "Now I will have no problem accessing government benefits. The administration personally came to us and resolved our problem."

Good governance is reaching the remote areas of Abujhmad

Providing such prompt civic services in Abujhmad, one of the country's most difficult and inaccessible regions, is a major success of "Good Governance Festival." Narayanpur district administration officials say the primary objective of Good Governance Festival is to ensure that government schemes and basic amenities reach the last person without interruption and with complete transparency.

Mahasamund. The rare Avalokiteshvara bronze statue, stolen 43 years ago from historic Sirpur in Mahasamund, is now set to return to Chhattisgarh. The statue was once housed in the Mahant Ghasidas Museum in Raipur, but was stolen around 1982 and transported abroad.

Now, this precious treasure has been found in America, and the process of returning it to India has begun. Its value is estimated to be around 19 crore rupees. The government and the Archaeological Survey of India have begun preparations for its return.

Experts say this isn't just a statue, but a monument to Sirpur's ancient Buddhist art and history, created by the sculptor Dronaditya. Now, after more than four decades, this heritage is about to return home.

Chief Minister reached Lemru, held a Chaupal and listened to the problems of the villagers.

Announcements of development works in remote areas, tablets given to meritorious students

Raipur, May 16, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai participated in the public problem resolution camp organized in the remote village of Lemru in Korba development block today under the Good Governance Festival.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the government was formed with the blessings of the people and that serving them is the government's ultimate duty. He said that Good Governance Festival symbolizes the government's direct access to the public and sensitive approach.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Good Governance Festival, which began on May 1st, will continue until June 10th, through which the problems of the common people across the state are being resolved promptly. He said that just as the head of a family takes care of the family's happiness, sorrows, and needs, the government is also visiting villages in the same spirit, reviewing the implementation of schemes and listening to the problems of the people. He said that he himself is also suddenly reaching villages and setting up a Chaupal under a tree and communicating with the common people.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that numerous public welfare schemes are being implemented in the state for women, farmers, laborers, forest dwellers, and poor families. Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, 70 lakh women are being provided financial assistance every month. Approval has been given for 1.8 million Prime Minister's Housing Schemes in the state, of which a large number have been completed. He said that the tendu leaf collection rate has been increased to Rs. 5,500 per standard sack, and paddy is being purchased from farmers at record prices.

Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the government has fulfilled most of the promises of "Modi's Guarantee" in a short time. By extending the benefits of schemes to every village, relief is being provided to the poor, farmers, and the needy. He said that through Good Governance Festival, the Chief Minister himself is reaching out to remote areas of the state and communicating directly with the public.

Finance Minister Mr. O.P. Choudhary said that despite the scorching heat, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai is continuously visiting remote areas of the state. Through Good Governance Festival, a new chapter of development is being written from Surguja to Bastar, with prompt resolution of problems. He said that the large number of people who came to listen to and meet the Chief Minister is a symbol of the public's trust and emotional connection.

During the camp, Chief Minister Sai announced several development projects for the Lemru region. He announced the construction of an irrigation anicut, the establishment of a post-matriculation hostel, electrification in various gram panchayats, school buildings, Anganwadi buildings, concrete roads, and culverts.

The Chief Minister honoured 18 meritorious students of Korba district who scored more than 90 percent marks in the Class 12 board examination by presenting them tablets and wished them a bright future.

At the camp, the Chief Minister distributed ration cards, agricultural equipment, tricycles, hearing aids, fish farming equipment, pumps, power sprayers, nutrition baskets, and incentive checks to self-help groups to beneficiaries of various departmental schemes. He also met with beneficiaries of the PM Housing Scheme and inquired about the implementation of the schemes.

Principal Secretary Mr. Subodh Singh, Special Secretary Mr. Rajat Bansal along with public representatives and officials were present on this occasion.

Chief Minister Holds Direct Dialogue with Villagers While Sitting Under a Peepal Tree

CM Announces “Mahtari Sadan” and Higher Secondary School Building for Kosla Village

Raipur, May 16, 2026/

Under the ongoing ‘Sushasan Tihar’ campaign, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai conducted a surprise visit to Kosla village in Pamgarh development block of Janjgir-Champa district on May 16. His arrival created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and warmth across the village.

The Chief Minister’s “simple and citizen-centric” approach was evident when he joined villagers at a traditional chaupal under the shade of a peepal tree and sat on a cot among them without formalities. The moment became memorable for villagers and reflected the government’s commitment towards “direct dialogue and responsive governance.”

During the chaupal, Chief Minister Shri Sai held discussions with villagers, women and farmers regarding the implementation of various welfare schemes of the state government. He listened carefully to public grievances and instructed officials on the spot to ensure quick resolution of issues.

The Chief Minister stated that the objective of Sushasan Tihar is to establish “stronger coordination between the government and citizens” and to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach the last person in society. He added that the state government is continuously working to bring “positive and inclusive change” in the lives of women, farmers, low-income families and the underprivileged.

While interacting with villagers, the Chief Minister specifically asked whether the village patwari visits regularly. After receiving a positive response from residents, he directed the village patwari, Shri Shatrughan Kurre, to ensure prompt resolution of land and revenue-related issues faced by villagers and farmers, so that people do not have to run from office to office for minor tasks. He clearly stated that citizens should not face unnecessary inconvenience.

During the chaupal, village resident Smt. Savitri Kashyap informed the Chief Minister that she has been receiving regular monthly assistance under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. She said the scheme has helped her family meet daily household needs and improved “financial self-reliance among women.” The Chief Minister said the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become a major source of economic support for lakhs of women across the state.

On the occasion, village “Lakhpati Didi” Smt. Neema Tiwari also shared her success story with the Chief Minister. She said that after joining the Bihan Yojana, she initially received financial assistance of Rs. 15,000, which helped her start a flour mill business. Today, she successfully operates five flour mills. Appreciating her efforts, the Chief Minister encouraged her to motivate more women in the village to join self-help groups and move towards “self-employment and economic empowerment.”

Chief Minister Shri Sai also reviewed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the village. Officials informed him that 474 families in Kosla village have received approval for the houses during the last two-and-a-half years. The Chief Minister said all eligible beneficiaries left out during earlier surveys would also receive housing benefits through the Awas Plus survey process.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai tastes Gupchup at Manju’s stall in Lemru, learns her success story through a heartfelt interaction

Lakhpati Didi Yojana gives new wings; small business boosts confidence and livelihood

Raipur, May 16, 2026/

An inspiring story of warmth and self-reliance came to fore during Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai’s visit to Korba’s Lemru village.

Here he visited a small stall operated by Lakhpati Didi Smt. Manju and relished the spicy Gupchup prepared by her and interacted with her warmly. Beneficiary Manju is associated with the Rural Livelihood Mission has emerged as an example of women’s empowerment and self-reliance through her small business venture.

During the interaction, Smt. Manju informed the Chief Minister that she had started her business on a very small scale. With the savings earned from her Gupchup stall and through continuous hard work, she has now expanded into the business of “centering plates” used in construction works. Despite limited resources, she has set an inspiring example of self-reliance through her determination, hard work, and self-confidence.

Appreciating the efforts of Manju Bahen, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the State Government is committed to economically empowering rural women and making them self-reliant. He stated that the Lakhpati Didi Yojana is today emerging as a strong foundation for women’s confidence, dignity, and financial empowerment.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai also handed over an incentive cheque of Rs 30,000 to Smt. Manju under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana. The Chief Minister said that when hard work gets opportunity and courage receives support, the impact of change does not remain limited to one individual’s life alone, but brings positive transformation across the entire village and society.

A major step towards saving and frugality on petrol and diesel: Officials from Janjgir Champa and Korba were connected through video conferencing in the review meeting held in Raigarh.

Raipur/Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today conducted a detailed review of development works and administrative activities in Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, and Korba districts in the Srijan Hall in Raigarh. The meeting reflected a balanced approach to good governance, prudent use of resources, and administrative efficiency.

Chief Minister Shri Sai had previously issued instructions to reduce unnecessary consumption of petrol and diesel, promote energy conservation, and maximize the use of technology-based systems in government work. Accordingly, officials from Janjgir-Champa and Korba districts were connected to this review meeting via video conferencing.

Only the Collectors and Superintendents of Police of the respective districts were physically present at the meeting, while other departmental officials joined virtually. This reduced the consumption of petrol and diesel for the transportation of a large number of officials. This initiative became an effective example of frugality and a responsible work culture in administrative work.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the government's priority is not only the implementation of schemes, but also the responsible use of resources. He added that in the current global situation, fuel conservation is not only an economic necessity but also a collective responsibility.

The Chief Minister urged officials to maximize the use of technology to make administrative work more swift, transparent, and effective. He directed that, wherever possible, virtual reviews, digital monitoring, and online coordination be prioritized to ensure savings in both time and resources.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed in detail the development works underway in the three districts, public welfare schemes, the quality of construction work, the resolution of revenue matters, and the status of applications received during Good Governance Festival. He directed officials to promptly resolve public problems and increase their activism at the field level.

This initiative by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has emerged as an example of sensitivity, practical thinking, and foresight in administrative work. This model, which combines fuel efficiency, time management, and good governance through technology, also underscores a new work culture in governance.

Special emphasis on developing mining affected villages as model villages

Raipur/ During the review meeting held in Raigarh, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai gave important instructions regarding effective and quick utilization of District Mineral Trust (DMF) funds in mining affected districts like Dantewada, Raigarh and Korba.

The Chief Minister said that the number and scope of development projects in these districts is constantly increasing, and the current technical and engineering staff is insufficient. He directed the Public Works Department to establish additional divisions and ensure the necessary technical staff.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the use of DMF funds should not be limited to construction projects, but rather that the people of mining-affected villages should see direct benefits. He directed officials to develop villages where mining activities are taking place as "model villages" on a priority basis. Ensure better development of roads, drinking water, health, education, sports, community buildings, and other basic amenities in these villages.

The Chief Minister said that people in mineral-rich areas should have the first right to development. He directed officials to work with sensitivity and accountability, ensuring quality, transparency, and timeliness in the use of DMF funds.

Review of three districts conducted through video conferencing on the directions of Chief Minister Shri Sai

Raipur, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday conducted a detailed review of development works and administrative activities of Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa and Korba districts at the Srijan Auditorium in Raigarh. The meeting reflected a balanced approach combining good governance, prudent use of resources and administrative efficiency.

Chief Minister Shri Sai had earlier issued directions to reduce unnecessary consumption of petrol and diesel, promote energy conservation and maximise the use of technology-driven systems in government functioning. In line with these directions, officers from Janjgir-Champa and Korba districts participated in the review meeting through video conferencing.

Only the Collectors and Superintendents of Police of the concerned districts were physically present at the meeting, while other departmental officers joined virtually. This significantly reduced the consumption of petrol and diesel that would otherwise have been incurred in the travel of a large number of officials. The initiative emerged as an effective example of economy and responsible work culture in administration.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the government’s priority is not only the implementation of schemes, but also the responsible utilisation of resources. He stated that under the present global circumstances, fuel conservation is not merely an economic necessity, but also a collective responsibility.

The Chief Minister stressed greater use of technology for faster and transparent governance.

He directed officials to prioritise virtual reviews and digital coordination to save time and resources.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister extensively reviewed development works, public welfare schemes, quality of construction works, disposal of revenue-related cases and the status of applications received during Sushasan Tihar in all three districts. He directed officials to ensure prompt resolution of public grievances and increase field-level responsiveness.

This initiative of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has emerged as an example of sensitivity, practical thinking and foresight in administrative functioning. The model of integrating fuel conservation, time management and good governance through technology also underlines the government’s evolving work culture.

Chief Minister Reaches Remote Lemru Village, Holds Chaupal and Listens to Public Grievances

Major Development Works Announced for Remote Areas, Tablets Distributed to Meritorious Students

Raipur, Under the ongoing Sushasan Tihar campaign, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a public grievance redressal camp organised in the remote village of Lemru in Korba development block on May 16.

Addressing villagers during the programme, the Chief Minister stated that the government has been formed with the blessings of the people and serving citizens is its foremost responsibility. He said Sushasan Tihar reflects the government’s “direct outreach and sensitive governance model” aimed at strengthening public trust.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Sushasan Tihar, which began on May 1, will continue till June 10 across the state. Through this initiative, public grievances are being resolved quickly, and government officials are reaching out to villages directly to review the implementation of welfare schemes. He stated that just as the head of a family remains concerned about the needs and well-being of every member, the government is also working with the same “spirit of accountability and public care.”

The Chief Minister said that he himself is visiting villages without prior notice and interacting directly with people through traditional chaupal meetings organised under trees in rural areas.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that several welfare schemes are being implemented for women, farmers, labourers, tribal communities and low-income families across Chhattisgarh.

During the camp, Chief Minister Shri Sai announced several development works for the Lemru region. These included the construction of an anicut for irrigation, establishment of a post-matric hostel, electrification works in various gram panchayats, construction of school buildings, anganwadi centres, CC roads and culverts.

The Chief Minister also honoured 18 meritorious students from Korba district who secured more than 90 per cent marks in the Class 12 board examinations by distributing tablets and extending best wishes for their bright future.

During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed ration cards, agricultural equipment, tricycles, hearing aids, fisheries equipment, pumps, power sprayers, nutrition baskets and incentive cheques to beneficiaries of various government schemes. He also interacted with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and reviewed the implementation of housing projects in the area.

Industry Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the government has fulfilled most of the promises made under “Modi Ki Guarantee” within a short period. He said that by ensuring the delivery of welfare schemes to every village, relief is being provided to low-income families, farmers and needy citizens. He added that through Su-Shasan Tihar, the Chief Minister is personally reaching remote regions and engaging in “direct dialogue with citizens.”

Finance Minister Shri O. P. Choudhary said that despite the intense summer heat, the Chief Minister has been continuously touring the state’s remote areas. He stated that through Sushasan Tihar, the government is ensuring speedy grievance redressal while writing a “new chapter of development” from Surguja to Bastar. He said the large turnout of people to meet and listen to the Chief Minister reflects the deep public trust and emotional connection with the government.

Principal Secretary Shri Subodh Singh, Special Secretary Shri Rajat Bansal, public representatives and senior officials were also present.

Raipur: Under the Good Governance Festival, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai visited the remote village of Lemru in Korba district on Saturday, where he held a public meeting and listened to the problems of the villagers.

The Chief Minister said that the government was formed with the blessings of the people and that serving the people was the government's foremost duty. He said that Good Governance Festival has become a strong medium of trust between the government and the people.

Chief Minister Sai said that the Good Governance Festival, which began on May 1, will continue till June 10, through which people's problems are being resolved quickly by reaching every village.

He said that the government, like the head of a family, is taking care of the people's joys, sorrows, and needs. In this spirit, he himself is suddenly visiting villages, setting up a meeting place under a tree, and communicating directly with the people.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is continuously implementing schemes for women, farmers, laborers, forest dwellers, and poor families. Seven million women are receiving monthly financial assistance through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.

At the same time, 1.8 million Prime Minister's houses have been approved in the state. He said that the tendu leaf collection rate has been increased to ₹5,500 per standard sack, and paddy is being purchased from farmers at record prices.

During the camp, the Chief Minister announced several development works for the Lemru area including construction of anicut, post-matric hostel, electrification, school building, Anganwadi building, CC road and culvert construction.

The Chief Minister honoured 18 meritorious students of Korba district who scored more than 90 percent marks in the 12th board examination by giving them tablets.

Also, ration cards, agricultural equipment, tricycles, hearing aids, pumps, power sprayers were distributed to the beneficiaries of various schemes and incentive cheques were distributed to self-help groups.

Industry Minister Lakhanlal Devangan, Finance Minister O.P. Chaudhary, Principal Secretary Subodh Singh, Special Secretary Rajat Bansal along with public representatives and officials were present at the programme.

Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has given important instructions to the officials for better and faster utilization of the District Mineral Trust (DMF) funds in the mining-affected districts.

In a review meeting held in Raigarh, the Chief Minister said that the scope of development works is increasing rapidly in districts like Dantewada, Raigarh and Korba, hence there is a need for additional technical infrastructure and engineering staff.

The Chief Minister directed the Public Works Department to constitute additional divisions in these districts and ensure the arrangement of necessary technical staff soon, so that the development works can be completed on time and with quality.

In the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the use of DMF funds should not be limited only to construction works, but its direct benefits should be visible to the people of mining affected villages.

He directed the officials to develop the villages affected by mining activities as “model villages” on priority basis.

The Chief Minister said that overall development of roads, drinking water, health, education, playgrounds, community buildings and other basic facilities should be ensured in these villages.

He said that the people of the areas from where the state is getting mineral wealth should get the first right to development.

Chief Minister Sai urged officials to work with sensitivity and accountability. He directed them to ensure transparency, quality, and timeliness in the use of DMF funds.

The Chief Minister said that the state government's intention is to see a real change in the living standards of people living in mining-affected areas. For this, it is essential that the benefits of the schemes reach the villages directly.

Senior administrative officials also briefed the meeting on the progress of ongoing DMF projects in various districts. The Chief Minister stressed the need to expedite the completion of pending projects and strengthen ground-level monitoring.

Bastar. To give a new identity to the sporting talent of Bastar's children, the Sports and Youth Welfare Department will soon open the first residential sports academy in Jagdalpur. This academy will provide specialized training in athletics, football, and archery. The department has accelerated preparations, and trials will soon be held to select players.

Tanuja Salam, Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, arrived in Jagdalpur on Saturday to review preparations for the proposed academy. She met with sports officials and reviewed the existing sports infrastructure, hostels, dining arrangements, sports equipment, and other facilities. She also inspected the proposed academy building and directed them to create a better environment for the players.

Officials said this will be the first residential sports academy in the Bastar region, where players will receive high-level coaching along with modern facilities. Selected players will receive accommodation, diet, education, sports kits, insurance, medical facilities, and the opportunity to participate in national-level competitions.

According to the department, an advertisement for admission to the academy will be released soon. Male athletes aged 13 to 17 will be eligible to participate in the selection trials. Twenty players will be selected in athletics, 25 in football, and 20 in archery.

Director Salam said that Bastar has no shortage of athletic talent. The children here have natural abilities, which simply need proper training and facilities. With the academy's opening, players from the region will be able to perform better at the state and national levels.

During the visit, he also inspected the hockey center at the Khelo India Mini Center, Pandripani. He inspected the hostel, gym, and available sports facilities, interacted with the players, and gathered feedback on the training and facilities.